Melatonin: The Natural Sleep Aid

Natural remedies are better than synthetic/medicinal methods of sleep therapy. Because all medicines have risks of side effects of varying magnitudes, it is always better to go natural if possible.

Melatonin is the body's natural clock regulator. The natural clock is based on the circadian rhythm cycle of approximately 24 hours. Life stressors, age, health, etc. can all mess around with our natural rhythm cycles and melatonin levels causing sleep disturbances and deprivation. The simplest, cheapest and healthiest way to correct sleep abnormalities is melatonin and corrective lifestyle measures.

My sleep difficulties have gradually changed over the years. As the stressors of life: finances, children, health, job security, etc. have increased sleep deprivation and sleep difficulties escalated as well. Now, you may be like me and find it easier to sleep after you work yourself half stupid and only get a few hours sleep, but that is not healthy.

According to Eight Straight and many health resources such as the CDC, adults require 7-9 hours of sleep per night. When we continuously get less and less sleep this affects our productivity, our immune system and even worsens our sleeping difficulties when we do try to sleep sufficiently. So, how can we deal with this issue from a natural perspective?

Melatonin. Melatonin occurs naturally in the brain, but life stressors and being over 40 years of age can cause decreased levels of melatonin. I have used this natural sleep aid intermittently for years. I have tried a few others like Benadryl and Tylenol, but don't like to because they are not natural and have risks associated with them. You can buy melatonin at multiple places online or simply go to your local drug store or Wal-Mart and pick up a bottle just be sure you buy one without a bunch of extra additives and unnatural enhancements. I have used both the 1 mg and the 3 mg and found both to be effective.

Here are the top 5 reasons to choose Melatonin instead of medication (whether OTC or prescription). #1 It's natural. You will not be putting foreign substances in your body that are likely to cause other problems i.e. nausea, hang over, some maybe even cancer. #2 You feel much more refreshed when using Melatonin because it is natural. #3 No side effects such as feeling hung over the next day, no nausea, no drugged feeling in your sleep. #4 It's cheap. Yes, it ranges in price from about $4.00 upwards. When you buy online versions that may hype up that theirs is better and does more, you can pay up to $20 a bottle, but that is not necessary. #5 IT WORKS!!!!! You deserve it. Do something good for yourself. Your sleep is one of the most important factors in your healthy. When you sleep well, you will feel more like doing the other things you need to do to stay healthy i.e. exercise, eat well.

Eight uses for Melatonin you may find interesting as well: 1) sleep 2) antioxidant 3) cancer 4) oral contraceptive 5) skin protective 6) insomnia 7) depression and affective disorders 8) jet lag and shift work. Check out these if interested at melatonin FAQ.

So, do yourself a favor and sleep well tonight. Use Melatonin, like I do, and start sleeping better tonight and every night. Happy snoozing!!!