Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, whose main function is to regulate the circadian cycle, making it function normally. In addition, melatonin promotes the proper functioning of the body and acts as an antioxidant.
This hormone is produced by the pineal gland, which is activated only when there are no light stimuli, that is, melatonin production only occurs at night, inducing sleep. Therefore, at bedtime, it is important to avoid light, sound or aromatic stimuli that can speed up metabolism and decrease melatonin production. Generally, melatonin production decreases with aging, which is why sleep disorders are more frequent in adults or the elderly.
Melatonin can be purchased in pharmacies, for a price of about 50 reais, but it can vary according to the concentration of melatonin per capsule, brand and place of purchase.
What is melatonin for
Melatonin is a hormone that besides regulating sleep, has other health benefits, which can help control the production of female sex hormones, has an antioxidant effect on cells and strengthens the immune system, helping to prevent various diseases and control diseases psychological and related to the nervous system.
Thus, in addition to treating insomnia, melatonin can be indicated to assist in the treatment of menopause, migraine, fibromyalgia, breast and prostate cancer, Alzheimer's and ischemia, for example.
Melatonin production decreases over time, either due to age or due to constant exposure to light and visual stimuli. Thus, melatonin can be taken in supplement form, such as Melatonin, or medications, such as Melatonin DHEA, which must be recommended by a specialist doctor, so that sleep and other body functions are regulated. Learn more about the melatonin supplement Melatonin.
How to take melatonin
Before taking a treatment with melatonin, you should go to the doctor, and the intake of 1mg to 5mg of melatonin may be recommended, at least 1 hour before bed. This supplement can be indicated to treat migraines, fight tumors and, more often, insomnia. The use of melatonin during the day is usually not recommended, as it can deregulate the circadian cycle, that is, it can make the person feel very sleepy during the day and little during the night, for example.
Despite being a hormone naturally produced by the body, the use of melatonin supplement can cause some side effects, such as headache, nausea and even depression. Therefore, the use of a melatonin supplement should be recommended and accompanied by a specialist doctor. See what are the side effects of melatonin.
A good alternative to increase the concentration of melatonin in the body is to consume foods that contribute to its production, such as brown rice, bananas, nuts, oranges and spinach, for example. Know other foods more suitable for insomnia.
Here's a recipe with some of the foods that help you fall asleep:
