Does Melatonin Actually Work?

If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, you’ve probably heard that melatonin has something to do with it. And it’s nearly impossible to avoid all the sleep aid products out there claiming to knock you out with the help of melatonin.

But many people aren’t even sure what melatonin is, and what it does to our bodies. Is it safe for us to take? Why would we need to take it, anyway? We’re diving headfirst into these questions to uncover the truth about the mysterious melatonin:

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by your brain every day. This hormone is your body’s tool for regulating sleep, producing more in the evening and nighttime to help us feel sleepy. Then, after you've gotten enough rest, the brain will scale back on melatonin and allow us to wake up naturally.

Tons of factors can influence how much melatonin your body produces at any given time, such as: sleep habits, diet, exercise, sunlight, and more.

But as many people know, melatonin isn’t exclusively found in the brain anymore. Now, for better or for worse, you can buy it at the store…

Why Manufacture Melatonin? Should I Be Taking It?

As the work days have become longer and sleep becomes rarer, many companies now produce an artificial version of melatonin and sell it over the counter. Now, you can buy melatonin alternatives and induce sleep at a moment’s notice! However, messing with your body’s natural melatonin production can be dangerous…

For those taking melatonin regularly, the body will eventually become reliant on the effects. This can result in a lower natural production of melatonin in the brain, and an addiction to the artificial version. At this point, it will become very difficult to fall asleep on your own.

Is It Safe to Take Melatonin?

While melatonin itself isn’t particularly dangerous, there are some side effects to be aware of:

Grogginess, daytime sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, stomach aches, anxiety, crankiness,and depression have all been linked to artificial melatonin consumption. Additional research is still needed to determine how well melatonin actually helps with sleep in the long-term.

While melatonin is regularly available in the U.S., most European counties and Australia only approve it for adults with a prescription. Use on children is not yet recommended.

What Are The Alternatives?

While melatonin may be the most well-known sleep aid supplement, it is definitely not alone. Many sleep aids use ingredients designed to work alongside your natural melatonin output, not replace it.

If you find yourself longing for a better night’s sleep, or an easier transition to sleep, its highly recommended that you go natural. There's always a risk to go against your body’s natural functions and rely too heavily on synthetics.

And if you’re unsure where to start, we recommend that you try Lifetones Sleep Support! Like all Lifetones products, Sleep Support is 100% all-natural and doesn’t rely on melatonin. Instead, the ingredients help your body reach a more relaxed state, allowing your natural melatonin to do its job properly.

Feel free to give Lifetones Sleep Support a try completely risk-free. If it hasn’t worked for you after a few nights, give us a call for a full refund!

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/what-is-melatonin

https://www.sleep.org/articles/melatonin/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-side-effects

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know