Melatonin
Have you ever had problems falling asleep? Have you ever had problems staying asleep once you got there? Have you flown across different time zones and experienced trouble adjusting your sleep/wake cycle? If so, there might be a way you can get some sound shut eye. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by our bodies but can get out of whack rather easily. Too much darkness can create too much in our bodies causing you to sleep more than normal. Too much sunlight, could cause our bodies to produce too little causing you to have issues falling or staying asleep.
Melatonin Supplementation
Melatonin can be ingested in many different forms. You can take it in pill form, liquid form, or my personal favorite, chewable, gummy form!
Melatonin can be bought at Walmart, Target, Schuck’s, etc. Personally, I enjoy the Nature’s Made Strawberry Gummies. They taste good but also does a great job of knocking me out and keeping me asleep.
There are some risk factors that you should pay attention to when deciding whether Melatonin supplementation is the route you want to take. You MAY experience headaches, dizziness, drowsiness during the day, or even an upset stomach. It is also recommended that you don’t drive or operate machinery after you have taken melatonin.
All expecting mothers or wishful mothers to be should be cautious before taking Melatonin to aid with your sleeping schedule. It could affect your ovulation and could pose potential danger for those who are trying to breast feed.
Sleeping Tips
Before you jump the gun and go straight to supplementation try changing your pre-sleep ritual and set yourself in a better environment.
Stick to a sleep schedule. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time will help regulate your body’s clock and keep you from waking up and help you stay asleep.
Stay off the screens. Try not to sit on your phone, tablet, or computer right before bed. If you feel like you need to calm down, try reading a book or article to help calm your brain.
Avoid naps. If you are having trouble falling asleep at bed time try to refrain from napping throughout the day.
Evaluate your room. Sleep in a cool area (between 60-67 degrees). Your room should be free of noise and free of any light.
Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow. If you can’t get comfortable then falling asleep and staying asleep will be even more difficult.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and big meals in the evening. Alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine can disrupt sleep.
Eating big meals before bed could cause discomfort from indigestion making sleep difficult.
If you are doing all the things above and still having issues sleeping, then try supplementing with Melatonin at the correct dosage on the label. It could turn a long night into a rest filled one resulting in a happier, healthier YOU!
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