| Is melatonin a sleeping pill? Can everyone take it? |
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Question:
Is melatonin a sleeping pill? Can everyone take it?
Answer:
Hypnotic medications which we commonly termed as “sleeping pills” slow down
signal transmission of our nervous system, thereby inducing sleep.
However, melatonin does not possess such a property, and it is not regarded as a
sleeping pill. It is a hormone involved in maintaining our body’s
sleep-wake cycle, and melatonin does not have any hangover effect significant of
most sleeping pills.
Melatonin is usually taken 30 minutes before bedtime on arrival at your
destination. For faster effect, sublingual preparation (for dissolving under
the tongue) may be used. The usual doses to be taken may range from 1mg to 5mg,
and all doses within this range are equally effective. The side
effects of excessive melatonin consumption or simply taking it at the wrong time
include drowsiness and a slower reaction time during wakeful hours
and insomnia at the desired sleeping time.
To combat jet lag, melatonin should be taken 30 minutes before the desired
bedtime or as specified by the manufacturer. To ensure quality sleep, avoid
drinking excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol. Minimize nap times to
prevent any further disturbances to the sleep cycle.
Travelers on long haul flights and shift workers benefit the most from melatonin
as it helps to reprogram the body’s daily clock. However, it is important
to note that not everyone can take melatonin. Pregnant or nursing women,
children, and patients with autoimmune diseases, leukemia or lymphomas are
advised to avoid taking melatonin.
For further inquiry, you can email your question to admin@pss.org.sg
Author: Katrina Eng
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