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Melatonin for sleeping: How does it work and what are the contraindications?
October 10, 2023
Why is melatonin used to promote sleep? Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body and derived from serotonin (also known as the “happiness hormone”). Melatonin is secreted by the epiphysis or pineal gland in the brain. It is present in every living organism and regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
There is a difference between naturally occurring melatonin, which is found in certain foods and vegetables, and artificially produced melatonin, which is extracted and synthesized in the laboratory.
Please note that the text "Elenco dei contenuti" (table of contents) is listed at the end of the text, indicating that a table of contents follows.
In biochemistry, melatonin is part of a biological mechanism for regulating sleep, which is based on the alternation between daylight and nighttime darkness and changes with the seasons.
Darkness is the “switch” for melatonin; In fact, darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, giving the signal to sleep.
The most common side effects If there is difficulty falling asleep, for example due to jet lag, dietary supplements with melatonin are often used to regulate sleep.
As darkness falls, the production of melatonin increases, which gives the body the signal to sleep; When exposed to light, melatonin production decreases and the body receives the wake-up signal.
That's why common advice for promoting sleep includes creating a dark and quiet environment.
People who have difficulty sleeping may have low melatonin levels; This is why this hormone is supplied in dietary supplements.
Melatonin is also used for people with depression, dementia, chronic pain and other medical conditions, although there are not enough studies on its effectiveness in this regard.
The dietary supplement is registered with the Ministry of Health and is designed for people who have sleep problems due to severe stress and anxiety. The innovative effect of Eschscholzia has a relaxing effect on the muscles with a long-lasting effect, while natural melatonin and valerian help you fall asleep. Results can be achieved from the first night of use.
Where can you find natural melatonin
In addition to dietary supplements, melatonin is found naturally in some foods such as oats, corn, almonds, walnuts, cocoa, apples, cherries, bananas, oranges, pineapple, radishes, onions, asparagus, tomatoes, cabbage, whole grain rice, legumes, grapes, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds , fish and ginger.
Alternatively, if a lack of melatonin is noticeable, in addition to diet and specific exercises to promote sleep and relaxation, natural nutritional supplements can be resorted to, paying attention to the dosage, which should not be more than 1 mg per day.
An excessive dose could actually cause sleep problems, which is the exact opposite of what you want to achieve.
Side effects and contraindications of melatonin
Some studies* have shown the effectiveness of taking melatonin in children and blind adults.
Blind people who cannot benefit from the effects of light and darkness to naturally stimulate melatonin in their bodies often require supplements to regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Here are the contraindications and side effects of melatonin:
Not during pregnancy and breastfeeding You should avoid taking it during pregnancy or if you want to become pregnant.
Further studies are needed to determine whether melatonin is safe during pregnancy, as there is currently not enough reliable information about it.
The recommendations during breastfeeding are similar. It is better to avoid it until there is sufficient scientific evidence of its safety.
Drug and Disease Interactions Melatonin should be avoided in autoimmune diseases, liver and kidney diseases.
The use of melatonin is not recommended when taking blood thinners (may increase the risk of bleeding), antiepileptic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, sedatives, antidiabetics, contraceptives, immunosuppressants and substrates of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and cytochrome P450 2C19 (CPY2C19).
Children In children, taking melatonin in short intervals is safe, while there are concerns about taking it during adolescence.
In any case, you should always seek the advice of your treating doctor before taking any dietary supplement to determine whether it may have a negative impact on taking other medications or dietary supplements or harm your health.
All advice given here, although based on scientific studies, in no way replaces the opinion of a doctor.
*Please note that the references to studies in brackets in the original text have not been translated as they are specific references.
Melatonin and thyroid contraindications
The studies* say that melatonin does not affect the function of the thyroid gland and thus the level of thyroid hormones in the blood.
It is more the impact on mood that needs to be considered, although this seems to vary from case to case.
Other studies* confirm that melatonin may be useful in those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) because it prevents the growth of thyroid cells.
In any case, as already emphasized, for certain health conditions, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a doctor before taking melatonin supplements to evaluate possible interferences and side effects.
*Please note that the references to studies in brackets in the original text have not been translated as they are specific references.