Individuals with sleep disorders should know that they are not alone, and there are options for them if they want to get help.
Anyone who thinks that the sleep problem he or she experiences is unique to them is likely wrong, considering the staggering number of people who are unable to get a good night's rest. For example, the Sleep in America poll released by the National Sleep Foundation showed that 43 percent of Americans between the ages of 13 and 64 rarely or never get a good night's sleep each night. Furthermore, more than 60 percent said that they have some form of sleep issue, and two-thirds said that their sleep needs are not getting met each day.
While there are many ways to correct sleep problems, many of them require the use of a prescription medication. Studies have shown that people who rely on prescriptions sleep aids to get rest each night may face an increased risk of a number of health problems, which is why it's important for individuals to find natural supplements that will help them have a good night's sleep.
One such natural supplement should be one that contains melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is made in the pineal gland in the body, which is located in the brain. Melatonin helps to control sleep and waking cycles. Along with being found in the body, melatonin is present in very small amounts in certain foods, and in supplement form.
Some people may wonder why they would need to take a melatonin supplement when the body already secretes this hormone? The answer is that the body's internal clock controls the production of melatonin - and this clock may not always be set correctly. Ideally, melatonin levels in the body rise during the evening and remain high during the night, before dropping in the morning. However, there are things that can impact this process, such as light.
During the colder months, when there is less light throughout the day in many parts of the country, your body may produce melatonin too early in the day to be effective at bedtime. This can disrupt sleep, and lead to seasonal depression.
Also, many people who work the night shift may also experience problems with their melatonin production. Working at night forces the body to change its normal patterns, and if people aren't getting enough melatonin when they need to sleep, they might not be getting a good night's rest.
Luckily, the body can get the melatonin it needs through supplements containing this hormone. Studies have shown that melatonin supplements may help people get to sleep at night, and have few side effects.
As with all supplements, people should talk to their doctor before they decide to take melatonin, since it may interact with certain medications. Individuals taking medications for any mental disorders, blood pressure problems, cancer or autoimmune diseases should be especially cautious about taking melatonin.
Some side effects people may experience include drowsiness, vivid dreams, grogginess in the morning and small changes in blood pressure. However, one way for people can help control these side effects is to start small when it comes to melatonin, and take 1 to 2 milligrams to see if that effectively helps them get better sleep. Different people require different dosages of melatonin, which is why individuals should talk to their doctor to see how much is right for them. Also, this supplement should be taken when people are able to dedicate their time to getting a good night's rest, and individuals shouldn't operate heavy machinery until they know how melatonin supplements will affect them.
While some people may think that their sleep problem is not something they should be concerned about, they are probably wrong. A seemingly minor lack of sleep can go a long way toward damaging a person's overall health. People who don't get enough sleep may be at risk of a number of problems such as heart disease and depression.
For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that heart attacks were 45 percent more likely in women who slept five or fewer hours per night than women who slept more. Furthermore, the issues people may face due to insufficient sleep may put others at risk as well. Studies have shown that individuals who are tired are responsible for a large percentage of car accidents each year, putting not only themselves, but their fellow drivers, in harm's way.
No one should spend another night tossing and turning when they can simply take a natural melatonin supplement to help them get the rest they need. Individuals with insomnia should talk to their doctor today to learn how much melatonin is right for them.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.