Friday 20 June 2014

Not sleeping? Let's talk melatonin supplements

Hello again,
Today we peek at sleeping problem and how melatonin supplement can help.
Melatonin is a hormone, also known as N -acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, It is a naturally occurring compound found in humans, animals, microbes and plants.
It is intimately involved in regulating the sleeping and waking cycles. It is sometimes prescribed by doctors for patients with sleep problems. However, in some cases it is not suitable. (source).
In humans as with all mammals, your biological clock resides in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of your brain (SCN), which is part of your hypothalamus. Based on signals of light and darkness, your SCN tells your pineal gland when it’s time to secrete melatonin. (ie when it gets dark, your brain is triggered by melatonin to sleep).
When you turn on a light at night , you immediately send your brain misinformation about the light-dark cycle. The only thing your brain interprets light to be is day. Believing daytime has arrived, your biological clock instructs your pineal gland to immediately cease its production of melatonin.
Whether you have the light on for an hour or for just a second, the effect is the same — and your melatonin pump doesn’t turn back on when you flip the light back off. (source).
When this happens over and over, you lose your sleep cycle and cannot fall asleep when you should, sleeps comes early morning and by work time, you are still groggy and not yet rested.
There are also other issues that disrupt the sleep cycle.
- Undiagnosed GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disorder )- often find the nights difficult. Once they're lying down, the acid can back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and pain. Some try to sleep propped up on pillows to cope.
- Medicine, Vitamins, and Supplements; Vitamins B6 or B12 can give people vivid dreams, and that can wake peopleup, It's much better to use those in the morning. If you're having chronic sleep problems, go to your doctor with a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements that you use. Ask if any of them could
be causing your sleep problems. If possible, take most of your meds during the day.
- Pain - Even Mild Pain; Pain signals sent out by your body can fragment your sleep, reducing the
amount of time you spend in deep, restorative sleep. You might not wake up, but your sleep will be less restful.
- Being Exhausted - as Opposed to Sleepy; Regardless of how worn out you feel, always take some time to unwind.
Don't rush to bed after a stressful day,". Instead, spend some time sitting quietly first. It could save you lots of tossing and turning later.
- Depression and other depression related disorders;
Why is melatonin used as a dietary supplement?
Melatonin supplements are sometimes used to treat jet lag or sleep problems (insomnia ). Scientists are also looking at other good uses for melatonin, such as:
-Treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
-Helping to control sleep patterns for people who work night shifts.
-Preventing or reducing problems with sleeping and confusion after surgery.
-Reducing chronic cluster headaches.
Melatonin does have side effects. But they will go away when you stop taking the supplement. Side effects may include:
-Sleepiness.
-Lower body temperature.
-Vivid dreams.
-Morning grogginess.
-Small changes in blood pressure .
During health exams, tell your doctor if you are taking melatonin. And tell your doctor if you are having trouble sleeping (insomnia), because it may be related to a medical problem.
In adults, melatonin is taken in doses from 0.2 mg to 20.0 mg, based on the reason for its use. The right dose varies widely from one person to another. Talk to your doctor to learn the right dosage and to find out if melatonin is right
for you.
(source)
You can use it for two weeks to a month, by then your sleep pattern will have been restored.
The Massive Health Benefits of Melatonin
The hormone melatonin produces a number of health benefits in terms of your immune system . It’s a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger that helps combat inflammation . In fact, melatonin is so integral to your immune system that a lack of it causes your thymus
gland, a key component of your immune system, to atrophy. Melatonin may even have a role in slowing the aging of your brain.
In addition to helping you fall asleep and bestowing a feeling of overall comfort and well being, melatonin has proven to have an impressive array of anti-cancer benefits. Melatonin inhibits the proliferation of a
wide range of cancer cell types, as well as triggering cancer cell apoptosis (self destruction). The hormone also interferes with the new blood supply tumors require for their rapid growth. Melatonin can boost efficacy and decrease the toxicity of cancer chemotherapy. (source).
You can access melatonin in your pharmacy or health store. You can get it without needing a prescription, but you need to be careful if you are on medication for other health issues.
Sweet dreams!!!
This is Serenity!!

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