What is Melatonin? Uses, correct usage and notes

Many elderly people who experience insomnia are advised to take melatonin to get a better night’s sleep. So actually, what is melatonin and what are the health benefits, how to use it is reasonable. Let’s find out right away with lassho.edu.vn!

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland , which is located in the middle of the brain and is about the size of a pea.

Melatonin has the effect of causing drowsiness , so it is often used in regulating sleep, supporting insomnia and circadian rhythms, but it is not a sleeping pill.

Normally, your body can make its own melatonin at night , which usually starts to increase in the evening when the sun goes down and gradually decreases in the morning when the sun rises. In the human body, this hormone decreases with age . The older you get, the less this hormone is secreted.

Uses of Melatonin

Support in the treatment of insomnia

Melatonin is effective in treating insomnia, insomnia caused by time zone changes (shift workers, or after long flights with time zone changes…).

In addition to the treatment of insomnia due to time zone changes, melatonin is also used for the elderly . Because as the human body ages, the hormone melatonin also decreases with age.

In addition to using melatonin to treat trouble sleeping, not sleeping well, you can use more foods such as mushrooms, green beans, lotus seeds, yogurt, cereals … also help improve this condition. .

Melatonin helps treat insomnia

Melatonin is good for the skin

According to a study published in Drugs in Dermatology (British Medical Journal of Dermatology) , melatonin has become a skin care ingredient , helping to repair and restore skin, fight the signs of aging. chemicals and pollutants.

According to the same study, these melatonin-producing antioxidants are more effective than vitamins C and E. Adding melatonin to skin care products: no risk of side effects such as headaches, dizziness face, nausea, …

Melatonin is good for the skin

Melatonin increases the effectiveness of cancer drugs

According to a new study from Tabriz Medical University, Iran (TUMS) , combining melatonin with anti-breast cancer drugs like tamoxifen enhances its ability to kill cancer cells.

Melatonin increases the effectiveness of cancer drugs

Melatonin helps reduce stress

Some studies show that melatonin helps reduce fatigue, anxiety , headaches, depression, nervous tension, …

Melatonin helps reduce stress

Improve eye health

Melatonin is high in antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage and keep your eyes healthy.

In fact, research shows that melatonin may be beneficial in treating conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

Melatonin improves eye health

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment

Melatonin has been shown to suppress acid secretion in the stomach. It also reduces production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter your esophagus.

Melatonin helps in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

How to use melatonin properly

Currently, people use melatonin as a functional food to help treat insomnia and poor sleep. Although taking melatonin is quite safe, you should still use it as directed by your doctor if you do not want to experience unwanted side effects.

It is best to use melatonin 30 minutes to 1 hour before going to bed , the recommended dosage is from 0.5 to 10mg/day.

After using Melatonin, stay away from electronic devices such as phones and computers, so that the body can relax and fall asleep more easily.

Take melatonin as directed by your doctor

Notes to remember when using melatonin

According to the journal Health & Life, to avoid the body becoming dependent on melatonin, it should be used with caution. There are a few things you should keep in mind before taking melatonin :

• Do not use the drug for more than 90 days
• Avoid taking with sleeping pills and other drugs
• Do not use melatonin for pregnant women and people under 18 years old
• Use as directed and prescribed by your doctor

Besides, when taking melatonin also leads to some side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea

Because melatonin can cause daytime drowsiness, do not drive or use machines within five hours of taking the medicine.

Before using melatonin, be very careful

Above is some essential information about melatonin. lassho.edu.vn hopes the article has brought you a lot of useful information.

Source: Health & Life, JDDonline

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