Have you ever wondered what melatonin is for? If so, you should know that it is a hormone that plays an important role in regulating sleep and other brain functions.
On the other hand, it is possible to regulate this hormone naturally. For this reason, we must understand what melatonin is used for and how it works in our body.
What is melatonin and what is it used for?
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced and released in the brain. It plays a fundamental role in sleep, says Daniela Ortiz, a Guatemalan psychologist. “It is like a biological brain clock (…). This helps us sleep since that is when we release this hormone the most,” says the expert.
“The production and release of melatonin in the brain is related to the time of day, meaning it increases when it is dark and decreases when there is light. Melatonin production decreases with age,” according to data from the Mayo Clinic.
According to Ortiz, melatonin is also necessary for growth during childhood and adolescence, since sleeping well stimulates the growth hormone. In addition, the psychologist adds that restful sleep allows us to stay healthy on a physical and emotional level.
What are the benefits of taking melatonin?
Experts say that melatonin can be taken externally when there is insomnia due to physical reasons. In this case, any general practitioner, internist, naturopath, psychiatrist, or neurologist can prescribe it if they consider it appropriate to combat this problem.
María Renée Ordóñez, a Guatemalan psychologist, mentions that although a hormonal exam must be done beforehand to rule out physical causes when chronic insomnia occurs, we must also find the psychological cause that triggers the alteration in the circadian rhythm since grief, debt, and stress can cause this problem in several cases.
In addition, Ordóñez points out that a study was conducted on melatonin pills, where it was determined that in more than 40 different brands of this product, they found 400 percent more than the adequate dose, which is why the professional emphasizes that we should not self-medicate and only take it in this way if a doctor indicates it.
What organs does melatonin affect?
When taken externally, melatonin can cause side effects in some people. According to a National Geographic post, these effects include drowsiness and headaches, as well as vivid dreams and nightmares in some cases, a theory that other specialists also agree with.
On the other hand, there is always the risk of poisoning if misused, as with any medication, says psychologist Ortiz: “If you exceed the dose recommended by the doctor, this or any other associated effect may occur,” she mentions.
In this regard, both Ortiz and Ordóñez emphasize that no psychologist is authorized to prescribe melatonin, which is why specialists in this area refer patients to other health professionals so they can determine whether or not the patient should take these supplements.
How can we regulate melatonin naturally?
Professionals recommend some of these techniques to regulate melatonin naturally and combat insomnia. If putting them into practice does not work, you should see a doctor to determine if you need any particular medication and/or psychological support. Here are some ideas that could be useful:
- Exercise. Both Ordóñez and Ortiz emphasize the importance of exercise to stimulate the production of melatonin and other hormones.
- Drink water in the right amounts. In the evening, moderation is recommended.
- Eat a light dinner to prevent your body from having to do double duty during those hours.
- If it helps, you can read before bed to relax a little. Establishing routines before bed can help improve the quality of your sleep.
- Avoid viewing screens, as the brain associates them with daylight and this can cause insomnia.
- Keep the room ventilated to get into a good state of rest. Preferably, everything should be dark and quiet.
- Practice conscious breathing through mindfulness techniques. We share with you a video that may be useful to understand and carry out these practices:
When to see a doctor?
If insomnia is affecting your daily activities: study, work, family life, or any other, consult your doctor immediately to rule out hormonal problems. If necessary, also consult a psychologist or psychiatrist, as determined by the health professional.
According to Ordóñez, long-term insomnia can cause serious illnesses such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and obesity and could accelerate the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. For this reason, it is always important to seek help in time so that lack of sleep does not negatively impact your quality of life.
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