Melatonin dose
How to take melatonin? The therapeutic properties of melatonin have given it a privileged place in the list of products of greater preference and acceptance in the last decade.
Despite having detractors who question some of its effects for lack of scientific studies to support them, the truth is that the hormone of darkness is quite coveted by increasing the sale of nutritional supplements that contain it.
But how effective is it and how to take it without risk? these are some of the questions to be revealed below.
Melatonin
Melatonin has the ability to regulate the body's biological clock as it does? synchronizing the functions of the organism once it is released in the dark. According to this, there are different types of chronos depending on the early morning, late-night or intermediate sleep.
In general terms, melatonin is defined as the hormone synthesized in the pineal gland to be distributed in small amounts within the bloodstream.
Its function is to inform the body about the circadian phases, or what is the same, the rhythm that must be followed to regulate its operation during the day.
How does melatonin work?
As it was commented, the pineal gland releases the hormone into the bloodstream, it usually does it in the peak every 24 hours, so that it circulates through the blood, to reach every tissue and cell of the body in almost simultaneous.
According to this, facing the maximum peak, the clock of all cells is set to "zero" counting from there, 24 hours until the next day between the new cycle.
Because what the hormone pursues is the synchronization of all the functions of the organism, the deficiency in its production brings an evident consequence, sleep disorders, in addition to accelerate the natural aging process and lead to the development of numerous inflammatory diseases.
Melatonin is the natural sleeping pill sold commercially. today, the list of commercial sale supplements whose main active ingredient is melatonin is infinite.
The numerous investigations that suggest the effectiveness of these products in the treatment of sleep disorders, as well as in the phase of delayed sleep, becoming allies of those who suffer from jet lag and insomnia.
Side effects of melatonin
Broadly speaking, its use is classified as safe, although it is almost unlikely to create dependence, as is the case with most sleeping drugs or when the response capacity is diminished, it is advisable to limit its use to short-term treatment. otherwise there is a risk of suffering some side effects, which include:
Dizziness and nausea.Headache.Drowsiness.
Less frequently, additional side effects such as depressive episodes of short duration have been evidenced, mild anxiety and tremors, irritability, cramps, decreased alertness, disorientation or confusion, in addition to abnormally low blood pressure.
With regard to contraindications, its use is discouraged for those who have to drive or maneuver machinery, at least five hours after consumption.
On the other hand, melatonin supplements interact negatively with certain medications:
Anticoagulants and platelet antiaggregants.ContraceptivesAnticonvulsantsImmunosuppressants Medications for diabetes.
Also, it is contraindicated for people treated with antihypertensive, diabetic or suffering from seizures.
How effective is Melatonin?
It is considered effective in the treatment of insomnia and certain sleep disorders, but it will not be so effective in the face of being relaxed before the anesthesia of a surgical operation.
In fact, beyond its contribution in pathologies associated with sleep, melatonin influences the reproductive, neurological and cardiovascular system.
It is effective in the protection of cells as it is an excellent antioxidant, preventing in addition to the appearance of many of the degenerative diseases and premature aging.