Melatonin: What Is It And What Can You Use It For?
Author Avatar

Misbah Wasi

Functional Nutrition Specialist, Scientific & Regulatory Advisor for Health Supplements

Misbah Wasi is a seasoned professional in the field of Nutrition Science and Food Regulation for over 15 years. Currently, she is lendin her expertise in the area of Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals and is an active member of the Standards Review Group (SRG) - Nutraceuticals FSSAI Ms. Wasi is a post-graduate in Food and Nutrition. Certified Lead Food Safety Management Systems Auditor (FSMS, FSSC 22000) and a certified FoSTaC traine for Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals. She is also a Subject Matter Expert for ‘Food Regulations in India’ for IFLR (International Food Laws and Regulations) course at Michigan State University.

Melatonin: What Is It And What Can You Use It For?

Melatonin is a hormone the pineal gland produces at night and signals darkness to the biological clock. It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms and with sleep. Our major life priorities are work, jobs, social lives, family commitments, etc. It is easy to compromise on sleep to accommodate our lifestyle and overbooked schedules. However, rest provides the energy you need to charge up for the next busy day. Here comes the Melatonin!!

Melatonin is an essential physiological sleep regulator in diurnal species, including humans, and has a significant role in restoring brain energy. The sleep–wake cycle is the most overt circadian rhythm; a circadian rhythm, or circadian cycle, is a natural, internal process that regulates sleep–wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours. Melatonin is non-habit forming, and like other types of supplements,

Melatonin is available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, gummies, creams, powders, patches, and sprays. The absorption rate is higher in sprays than in any other format. The relationship between the sleep cycle and Melatonin is very crucial.


How does Melatonin supplement work?

Interestingly, melatonin supplements work like natural hormones. It prepares our body during the evening itself to rest at night. According to a study, Melatonin makes some physiological changes like decreasing the blood pressure and respiration rate, which soon puts the body in a tired and quieter condition and promotes sleep. So, when you use the melatonin spray, the physiological changes increase, resulting in a sound sleep pattern.

Therefore, it is seen that despite having numerous benefits, Melatonin is not addictive. Melatonin spray for sleep does not work like sleeping pills. Your body will not demand Melatonin every time you want to sleep and will maintain the natural rest–wake cycle. Melatonin is formulated to be easily handled by your body without any prolonged drowsiness and side effects, making you feel afresh the following day. Melatonin is relatively non-toxic, with a very mild side effect whenever a higher dose occurs. These side effects include headaches, daytime sleepiness, and nausea. If someone is experiencing these side effects can immediately stop using them.

If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or have any other health condition, you should consult with your healthcare provider regarding its use. Also, if you experience any allergic reaction, immediately discontinue it.


The signifacant benefits of Melatonin for sleep are:

  • People with Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) have trouble falling asleep at the usual times and waking up in the morning. They typically have difficulty sleeping before 2 to 6 a.m. and prefer to wake up between 10am and 1pm It was found in a study that taking sleep melatonin spray 1 hour before the desired bedtime combined with going to bed at a set time led to several improvements. Those improvements included falling asleep an average of 34 minutes earlier, better sleep during the first third of the night, and better daytime functioning.

  • Melatonin sprays for sleep help with certain conditions, such as reducing overall symptoms of jet lag and bringing your sleep routine back to normal after long flight journeys.

  • Melatonin spray appears to help reduce anxiety before surgery.

  • Aging, the presence of certain diseases, and certain drugs abolish the nocturnal production of Melatonin. They are associated with poor sleep and hence can be corrected by the consistent use of oral melatonin spray.

  • Melatonin improves sleep in hypertensive patients with sleep disorders.

  • The use of melatonin spray for treating chronic sleep–wake cycle disorders of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) / Neuronopathic Gaucher disease (NGD), is increasing.

  • Shift and night work generally decrease sleeping time, disrupting the circadian time structure. Hence melatonin spray for sleep is helpful in this situation.


Other melatonin benefits

Other than promoting the sleep cycle, Melatonin is also helpful in regulating other functions of the body, as mentioned below:

  • Melatonin helps produce and break down lipid and glucose molecules following the body's requirements.

  • The anxiety and stress levels also decrease when you experience an improved sleep cycle with the help of melatonin sprays.

  • Melatonin tablets reduce the sensation of excess pain and swelling in the body.

  • It reduces the production of harmful free radicals in our digestive system.

  • Melatonin can maintain age-related eye conditions as it prevents cell damage.

 

 

Melatonin dosage

Generally, a safe starting dose for adults is 1- 5mg of Melatonin. Adults can take up to 5mg of Melatonin, while 1 – 3 mg is suitable for kids. The use of melatonin dose for kids is safe if consumed in the correct quantity. The most crucial benefit of melatonin sprays-, is to improve the sleep cycle and provide deep sleep. Therefore, use 4-5 melatonin sprays 30 minutes before bedtime for best results. During this time, you should not use your phones or gadgets; instead, read comforting books or do your night prayers.

To summarise, it is time to prioritize sound sleep in your busy schedule with the help of sleep melatonin spray. Melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone, will help you attain a good quality sleep cycle linked to fresh mornings, a happy mood, increased energy, and productivity the next day. It is best suited for your body as it is a non-habit-forming solution that helps you to provide natural sleep and wake cycles. Melatonin oral sprays will help you stay asleep faster and longer as it works like natural hormones. Taking the correct dosage at the appropriate time will give you the best results.


FAQs

  • How long should I use it?

  • Melatonin should be used regularly for 3-6 months for best results. Melatonin dosage should be 4-5 sprays of sleep melatonin spray 30 minutes before sleep.


  • Can children use this product?

  • It is best to consult a healthcare provider if you're considering giving Melatonin to children for sleep-related issues.


  • What are Melatonin's side effects?

  • Melatonin's most common side effects are drowsiness, daytime sleepiness, headaches, and nausea. These side effects of Melatonin are infrequent, but if you experience any side effects, you must stop the supplements immediately.


  • Is Melatonin safe?

  • melatonin supplements are safe for use. If you are allergic to any ingredient, you must stop the supplements immediately.


  • Is Melatonin addictive?

  • Melatonin tablets and Melatonin spray for sleep are not additive.

 

References

Back to blog