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What is Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour “clock” that plays a critical role in when we fall asleep and when we wake up.
During the day, the pineal gland is inactive, and as the day darkens, the pineal gland starts producing melatonin in preparation for sleep.
It also helps control the timing and release of female reproductive hormones. It helps determine when a woman starts to menstruate, the frequency and duration of menstrual cycles, and when a woman stops menstruating (menopause).
Melatonin Disruptions
Being exposed to bright lights in the evening, or too little light during the day, can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles. For example, jet lag, shift work, and poor vision can disrupt melatonin cycles.
Recent studies also suggests that blue light from mobile devices may disrupt the production of this hormone at night.
Melatonin Uses
Melatonin is most commonly used as a sleeping aid, taken about an hour before bedtime.
Time release variants before bedtime may also be useful for controlling high blood pressure. Immediate release versions doesn’t seem to have any tangible effects.
It is also potent antioxidant that defends against free radicals and helps to support glutathione activity in the neural tissue.
It is also used for a variety of other ailments as well, including Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss (dementia), bipolar disorder, a lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as insomnia caused by beta-blocker drugs. However, using it for these ailments only be done under the guidance of a trained medical professional.
Melatonin Side Effects
Some in the scientific community cautions against the use of Melatonin too often at high doses. One reason cited is that the body becomes less sensitive, especially with prolonged high dosage use.
As such, unless directed by a trained doctor, it should ideally be used, not as a crutch, but as a sleeping aid, only to be used occasionally at small doses.
Melatonin is also known to have reactions to certain medications, so if unsure, always check with your doctor, especially if you’re being treated for autoimmune or depressive disorders.
Where to get Melatonin Products
CheapSupplement.com.sg recommends iHerb for all your supplement and organic purchases. Here are some of the best sellers:
Source Naturals
Melatonin
Melatonin is a neurohormone produced in humans by the pineal gland. A favorite of travelers, it governs the body’s circadian rhythms, helping the body ease into restful sleep. It is also a potent antioxidant.
iHerb: 1mg, 100 tablets US$4.31 (SGD$ 5.78) or less
iHerb: 1mg, 300 tablets US$11.87 (SGD$ 15.93) or less
iHerb: 3mg, 60 tablets US$4.31 (SGD$ 5.78) or less
Now Foods,
Melatonin 3mg
Research indicates that Melatonin may be associated with the regulation of sleep/wake cycles. It is also a potent antioxidant that defends against free radicals and helps to support glutathione activity in the neural tissue.
tsw.com.sg: 60 tablets, $9
Lazada SG: 60 tablets, $13.86
iHerb: 60 tablets US$3.18 (SGD$ 4.27) or less
iHerb: 180 tablets US$7.63 (SGD$ 10.24) or less
Natrol
Melatonin, Time Release
Natrol Melatonin Time Release is 100% vegetarian and offers a biphasic delivery system which releases melatonin quickly to help you fall asleep fast and then steadily to help you stay asleep all night. The body naturally produces melatonin and Vitamin B6 is essential for melatonin production.
iHerb: 3mg, 100 tablets US$5.36 (SGD$ 7.19) or less
iHerb: 5mg, 100 tablets US$6.40 (SGD$ 8.59) or less
Click to see more Melatonin products at iHerb
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References: University of Maryland Medical Centre, Scienctific American, WebMD 1 2, Wikipedia