Many people use the natural sleep aid to drive into dreamland.
A natural hormone, melatonin production typically increases at night, helping regulate your sleep cycle.
For people who have trouble sleeping, sometimes a dietary melatonin supplement can lead to falling asleep.
However, Dr. Fenn said most people probably shouldn’t regularly need a supplement (via Bustle).
A study from 2000 revealed that taking the supplement increases REM sleep (viaRefinery29).
However, he also noted that you shouldn’t use melatonin as a general sleep aid.
Here’s what to look for in a melatonin supplement
Not all melatonin supplements are created equal.
Erland (viaAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine).
Dr. Kimberly Fenn toldBustlethat taking melatonin in high doses could lead to crazy dreams.
Even worse, it may be much larger than advertised and cause serious nightmares."
She suggested that you search for brands that have verified doses.
Failing that, only use supplements from well-known brands that you trust.
She suggested that instead of resorting to the supplement, you should practice good sleep hygiene.
Even something likeeating peanut butter before bedorwearing a sleep maskmight help.
Dr. Shelby Harris suggested that you do things to increase your melatonin production naturally before heading to bed.
“It is best, in my opinion, to just go old school and stay away from screens.
Here’s when you should consider contacting your doctor
Melatonin isn’t for everyone.
In fact, it might not work for you, according toParsley Health.
You should always discuss supplementation with your doctor prior to beginning taking something new, including melatonin.
If you’re incredibly unlucky, the unregulated supplement could make your sleep disturbance even worse.
