What Is Melatonin and How Does It Work
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body. People with good natural production of melatonin experience better quality of sleep.
If you have problems falling asleep, then you might have heard of melatonin supplements.
Melatonin pills do not work like sleeping pills, they act very differently on the human body. Melatonin pills are natural supplements that support sleep, while sleeping pills are medical in nature and help to "create" sleep.
Scientific Background
Melatonin is produced and released by the pineal gland, which is found in the brain. The production of melatonin is increased in a darker environment. This is why we switch off the lights at night to sleep better.
Where melatonin is produced: the pineal gland within the brain
If you are exposed to light during regular sleep hours, your production of melatonin will be reduced. You will then find it harder to fall asleep. Hence, you naturally feel sleepier at night when there is lesser light exposure.
Your natural “body clock” is affected by melatonin levels. When light is detected by the retina in your eyes, signals are sent to the pineal gland. The more light there is, the lesser melatonin your brain produces.
Melatonin acts on your nervous system, allowing your body to naturally fall asleep. As such, a good balance of melatonin helps you sleep better by helping you stay asleep throughout the night.
If you find it hard to fall asleep, then your body might have a low level of melatonin. You can take melatonin supplements to complement the natural melatonin produced by your body.
Why Would I Need Melatonin?
The balance of melatonin in your body is closely related to sleep cycles. If you have insomnia, jet lag, or other sleep-related issues, take melatonin supplements to complement a good sleeping environment for a good night’s sleep.
What Do I Need To Be Aware Of When Taking Melatonin?
Do not worry when taking melatonin, it is very safe. This is because melatonin is a natural hormone, and the body washes it out if there is an excess.
If you want to save money, do not smoke or consume alcohol as they reduce the effects of melatonin when used at the same time.
How Much Melatonin Am I Taking Each Time?
Take 1-2 tablets each time. Medical-grade melatonin is much cleaner than over-the-counter products, so 3mg has the same effect as 5mg or 10mg of the latter. The melatonin usually takes around 30 minutes to begin working.
Steps To Taking Melatonin Supplements
Medical-grade melatonin tablets are usually taken before bedtime and after food. This is because it takes 30-45 minutes for the melatonin to take effect.
Ensure that your sleeping environment is comfortable in order to complement the effects of melatonin.
Create a good environment for sleep: ensure your bedroom is as dark as possible!
1) The preparation: have a moderate dinner, take melatonin supplements after food, and have a nice shower before bedtime.
2) Ensure you have the right environment: full darkness, cool temperature, and no noise at all.
3) Finally, stop any external stimulation that will block the production of melatonin – no phones, screens, light, or books.
We are now writing a full guide on creating the best environment to fall asleep naturally. We will update the link here when we are done, so stay tuned!
About ShuiDiHao and Medidest Enterprise
ShuiDiHao Melatonin is a product of Medidest Enterprise Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based medical solutions and research company.
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body. People with good natural production of melatonin experience better quality of sleep.
If you have problems falling asleep, then you might have heard of melatonin supplements.
Melatonin pills do not work like sleeping pills, they act very differently on the human body. Melatonin pills are natural supplements that support sleep, while sleeping pills are medical in nature and help to "create" sleep.
Scientific Background
Melatonin is produced and released by the pineal gland, which is found in the brain. The production of melatonin is increased in a darker environment. This is why we switch off the lights at night to sleep better.
Where melatonin is produced: the pineal gland within the brain
If you are exposed to light during regular sleep hours, your production of melatonin will be reduced. You will then find it harder to fall asleep. Hence, you naturally feel sleepier at night when there is lesser light exposure.
Your natural “body clock” is affected by melatonin levels. When light is detected by the retina in your eyes, signals are sent to the pineal gland. The more light there is, the lesser melatonin your brain produces.
Melatonin acts on your nervous system, allowing your body to naturally fall asleep. As such, a good balance of melatonin helps you sleep better by helping you stay asleep throughout the night.
If you find it hard to fall asleep, then your body might have a low level of melatonin. You can take melatonin supplements to complement the natural melatonin produced by your body.
Why Would I Need Melatonin?
The balance of melatonin in your body is closely related to sleep cycles. If you have insomnia, jet lag, or other sleep-related issues, take melatonin supplements to complement a good sleeping environment for a good night’s sleep.
What Do I Need To Be Aware Of When Taking Melatonin?
Do not worry when taking melatonin, it is very safe. This is because melatonin is a natural hormone, and the body washes it out if there is an excess.
If you want to save money, do not smoke or consume alcohol as they reduce the effects of melatonin when used at the same time.
How Much Melatonin Am I Taking Each Time?
Take 1-2 tablets each time. Medical-grade melatonin is much cleaner than over-the-counter products, so 3mg has the same effect as 5mg or 10mg of the latter. The melatonin usually takes around 30 minutes to begin working.
Steps To Taking Melatonin Supplements
Medical-grade melatonin tablets are usually taken before bedtime and after food. This is because it takes 30-45 minutes for the melatonin to take effect.
Ensure that your sleeping environment is comfortable in order to complement the effects of melatonin.
Create a good environment for sleep: ensure your bedroom is as dark as possible!
1) The preparation: have a moderate dinner, take melatonin supplements after food, and have a nice shower before bedtime.
2) Ensure you have the right environment: full darkness, cool temperature, and no noise at all.
3) Finally, stop any external stimulation that will block the production of melatonin – no phones, screens, light, or books.
We are now writing a full guide on creating the best environment to fall asleep naturally. We will update the link here when we are done, so stay tuned!
About ShuiDiHao and Medidest Enterprise
ShuiDiHao Melatonin is a product of Medidest Enterprise Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based medical solutions and research company.