Miracle Supp For The Busy Urbanite
You’ve heard about the hormone N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine (or at least by its better-known name, melatonin) and its widespread increase in use over the last decade. But what exactly is it – why are more and more people supplementing with it now, and why should you take it? These are questions we’ll answer for you with the strictest objectivity in this installment of Adamo Nest’s supplements page.
How Did It Become So Popular?
The most common basis for increased melatonin use in recent years has pertained to the busy lifestyles of business executives who become so drained by the end of the day that their sleep is compromised, both in quality and quantity. Melatonin has a close relationship with the “sleep-wake cycle” (a.k.a. our renowned “circadian rhythm,” based on the body’s 24-hour internal clock). After extensive investigations, it became commonly accepted that melatonin can prolong the length of our sleep, deepen the quality of our sleep, give us more energy the next day, and thus improve the overall quality of our lives.
Practical Applications
Reasons for the need to improve levels of melatonin include stressful daily life, alcohol or caffeine consumption, smoking, poor diets (often based on convenience), lack of exercise, and irregular sleep times. Sound familiar? It’s very likely that one or more of these conditions apply to you. Furthermore, once the world travels increasingly by airplane, often crossing multiple time zones, the threat of jet lag is very real.
How It Works
Thankfully, melatonin is a Godsend to some individuals. Supplementation will regulate your sleep-wake cycle such that you’ll be inclined to fall asleep at the same time every day and wake up at the same time every day. When you sleep, melatonin (which happens to be serotonin-derived) is released from the pineal gland in your brain. Not only will your daily sleep regimen improve, but your immune system will also be strengthened such that you’ll be less likely to catch colds or suffer infection. In 1993, melatonin was also discovered to be a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger, which is particularly helpful to those who exercise vigorously, and to the overall public in the winter months.
Potential Side Effects
Like most supplements, there are some possible side effects with melatonin use, though they are usually mild. These include a feeling of being groggy (“somnolence”), headaches, restlessness, anxiety, and having abnormal dreams. However, if you consume the right dose as prescribed for you from a medical professional or nutritionist, you’re less likely to experience such effects as if you go it alone (or make the mistake of thinking more is better).
Daily Recommended Supplemental Dosage
Between 1 to 10 milligrams daily, taken before bedtime, based on the advice of a medical professional. Again, higher doses are more apt to cause unwanted side effects.
