Do you suffer from insomnia? Understand how melatonin can help you

Melatonin is produced naturally by the body, but supplementing it can help regulate sleep

In Brazil, about 72% of the population suffers from sleep disorders, data from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) indicate. The Brazilian Sleep Association (ABS) also points out that 73 million people suffer from insomnia in the country.

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These are Brazilians who find it difficult to fall asleep, sleep through the night or wake up too early, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life and well-being.

In the search for alternatives to promote healthy sleep, many people end up resorting to sleeping pills. However, the use of these remedies can also carry risks if done without medical advice.

One option, which until recently was only available for sale outside of Brazil, is melatonin dietary supplements. The marketing of these products was approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) in October 2021.

How does melatonin work?

Naturally produced by the body, melatonin plays a fundamental role in regulating the biological rhythm, stimulating sleep. The analyst of the Pharmacotechnical Development of Prati-Donaduzzi, Maria Eduarda ZImmermann, points out that, despite the benefits, the substance is not a sleeping pill. Therefore, caution is required when using it.

«It helps and helps us sleep, but it is not a treatment for insomnia and should be used for short periods. Furthermore, it is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and people whose work requires constant attention,” he explains.

Melatonin plays an important role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. The pineal gland of our brain produces the substance naturally during the night, with the direct influence of light and darkness. This is because, during the day, the body inhibits the production of melatonin, signaling that it is time to stay awake and alert. At night, production increases so that the person sleeps.

“Melatonin supplementation helps regulate sleep, especially for people who have a disorder. When the body absorbs the substance, it understands that it’s time to sleep, facilitating the onset of sleep and also helping to maintain it”, explains Maria Edward.

According to the specialist, the ideal is for the person to take the pill about 30 minutes before going to bed. However, to achieve the desired effect, it is important to practice sleep hygiene, such as staying in a dark environment and away from cell phones or television screens.

trouble sleeping

However, it is worth pointing out that other factors can also affect sleep at night and cause insomnia. This is the case, for example, with stress, anxiety, health problems, medication use, and poor sleep habits.

“The recommendation is to identify the cause and seek medical attention when necessary, instead of making prolonged use of melatonin without specialized monitoring,” Maria Eduarda points out.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.