MELATONIN
Melatonin 1.5mg
AVOID WHEN PREGNANT/BREASTFEEDING
- Used to help improve the time it takes to fall asleep
- Can be beneficial for those who travel across time zones frequently
- Supplied as a half tablet for starting doses
Why you'll love it
Sleep in Key!
Getting proper sleep contributes to:
- Improved physical health
- Improved mental health
- Reduced stress
- Proper brain function
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the brain by the pineal gland. The release is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light indicating that it has a role in your circadian rhythm or internal clock.
Certain demographics or those who are blind, do shift work or who travel often, may have altered melatonin cycles, thereby affecting their quality of sleep. Same goes for individuals who have a lack of exposure to light during the day or are exposed to bright lights in the evening (another good reason to “un-plug” at a reasonable hour before bed).
Different uses for Melatonin
There’s also some evidence to suggest that melatonin may be helpful in reducing migraine frequency, intensity and duration and has actually been shown to be better and more tolerable than traditional prescription medications that are often used.
Of interest, melatonin is also a very powerful antioxidant with several other therapeutic applications in much larger doses but use in these cases is outside the scope of what we aim to do here.
Why this formula?
As with many other supplements, Melatonin can be found as both a natural and a synthetic source. The natural form comes from the pineal gland (brain) of animals, and while we usually tend to prefer natural over synthetic, Melatonin is not one of those cases.
There is research to show that some natural sources of melatonin can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses and abnormal proteins called prions, which can do more harm than good.
Melatonin can also be derived from plant sources, however, its efficacy is questionable and therefore not commonly available. As such, most Melatonin products available in the market today are manufactured by a quality controlled synthetic process that yields a safe and effective product that is chemically identical to the melatonin found in our brains.
Our tablet is scored to allow for half dosages for those who are just starting out with Melatonin and can be dissolved under the tongue for quicker absorption.
How much do I really need?
Seasonal Variation
Melatonin needs may vary seasonally, needing lower doses in the summer when the days are longer and higher doses in the winter when the days are shorter.
Melatonin for Insomnia
For insomnia, Melatonin is usually used short term and has been found to be safe and effective for up to 2 years in some patients, though 6 months is usually long enough to show benefits. Interestingly, the research behind Melatonin use indicates only a moderate reduction in the time it takes to fall asleep (12 minutes), however subjectively, patients report feeling more rested thanks to better sleep quality.
For insomnia, you’ll often hear the mantra “start low and go slow”, increasing as needed to see a benefit. To help with sleep, doses between 1 and 5mg taken 30 minutes before bed seem to be the most effective. We recommend starting with 1.5mg (or half a tablet) for 4 weeks then increasing to 1 tablet if needed. If sleeplessness persists beyond 4 weeks at 3mg, be sure to contact your primary care provider, as Melatonin may not be the solution for you.
Melatonin for Migraines
For migraine headaches, 3mg at bedtime works, but note that it can take about two weeks to see the full effects.
Melatonin for Travel
If you are planning a trip to a different time zone, you’ll want to take 1-2mg 30 minutes before bedtime starting when you get to your destination and then continue for two weeks after return.
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Nutritional Info
Supplement Facts
MELATONIN PER 1/2 SUBLINGUAL TABLETAmount Per Serving
Melatonin
1.5mg
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Dicalcium phosphate unmilled, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate and stearic acid
Recommended Use or Purpose: Helps improve sleep. Helps relieve the daytime fatigue associated with jet lag. Helps to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Helps reset the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Recommended Dose (Adults): Start with ½ tablet (1.5mg) for 4 weeks taken 30 minutes before bed. If no improvement is seen, increase to 1 tablet (3mg). For migraine treatment and prevention, take 1 tablet (3mg) 30 minutes before bed.
Cautions & Warning: Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use if you have a hormonal disorder, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, migraines, depression and/or hypertension or if you are taking blood pressure or sedative/hypnotic medications. If symptoms persist continuously for more than 4 weeks (chronic insomnia), consult your health-care practitioner. Do not use if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs. Do not drive or use machinery for 5 hours after taking melatonin. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
As with any natural health product, you should consult your healthcare practitioner on the use of this product. Store product in a cool and dry place. Keep out of reach of children. If you experience an adverse event or allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and contact a healthcare professional.