WLS Melatonin 5 mg Pill

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: Melatonin is a supplement in many countries, but it is a hormone that affects the body. Discuss any decision to start, stop, or change a supplement or medication with a qualified healthcare provider.

Product identifiers: C13H16N2O2 | CID 896

SKU : WMELA5

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone primarily synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. Its production is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light.

• Primary Function: Melatonin’s main function is to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm (the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle). It signals to the body that it’s time to prepare for sleep by causing drowsiness.
• Other Functions: It also acts as a potent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body.

Melatonin for Sleep, Dose, & Products

Melatonin for Sleep & Uses

Melatonin supplements are primarily used to treat certain sleep issues by adjusting the body’s internal clock:

• Jet Lag: Helps synchronize the sleep-wake cycle when crossing multiple time zones.
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder: Helps align sleep for those working non-traditional hours.
• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS): Helps people who naturally fall asleep and wake up very late to shift their schedule earlier.
• General Insomnia: It may help some people fall asleep faster, though it is often recommended for short-term use.

Melatonin Dose

Dosage can vary significantly, and less is often more. Supplements are available as melatonin pills, capsules, liquids, or melatonin gummies.

• Adult Dosing: Typically ranges from 0.5 mg to 5 mg, taken about 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime.
• Starting Dose: It’s generally recommended to start with the lowest effective dose (e.g., 0.5 mg to 1 mg) and increase only if necessary. Higher doses (up to 10 mg) may cause more daytime grogginess or vivid dreams.
• Regulation Note: As a supplement in many places (like the U.S.), melatonin is not strictly regulated by the FDA, meaning the actual content can sometimes vary from what is listed on the label.

Melatonin Kids

Melatonin is increasingly used for children with sleep difficulties, especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD.

• Caution: Its long-term effects on child development, particularly during puberty, are not well-established. Always consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist before giving melatonin to a child.
• Dosage for Kids: If prescribed, doses are generally very low, often starting at 1 mg to 3 mg. Accidental ingestion/overdose reports have increased, emphasizing the need to keep products, especially gummies, safely secured.

Melatonin and Heart (Failure/Problems)

The relationship between melatonin and the heart is complex, involving both its potential as an antioxidant and emerging concerns over long-term use.

Melatonin Heart Function & Effects

Cardioprotective Properties: Endogenous (naturally produced) and supplemental melatonin have been shown in many animal and some human studies to have cardioprotective effects. These effects are largely due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect heart tissue from damage (e.g., during a heart attack or from chemotherapy drugs).

• Blood Pressure: Melatonin may have a mild antihypertensive effect in some people, helping to lower blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.

Melatonin and Heart Failure / Heart Problems

New Safety Concerns: A preliminary study recently presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions found an association between long-term use (one year or more) of melatonin supplements and a higher risk of heart failure diagnosis, hospitalization, and death in adults with chronic insomnia.

Association vs. Cause: It is crucial to note that this study showed an association, not a direct cause-and-effect. Individuals with chronic insomnia who use melatonin long-term may also have other underlying conditions like severe anxiety, depression, or undiagnosed sleep disorders that contribute to heart issues.

Current Guidance: Experts caution against the chronic, unsupervised use of melatonin, especially at high doses, for indefinite periods. If you have a heart condition or are concerned about melatonin and heart problems, consult your cardiologist.

 Melatonin Side Effects, Long Term Use, & Interactions

Side Effects of Melatonin

Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use. Common side effects are usually mild:

• Drowsiness/Daytime Sleepiness (Melatonin Hangover)
• Headache and Dizziness
• Nausea and stomach cramps
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Mild anxiety or irritability

Melatonin Long Term Use

The long-term safety of melatonin is not well-established, especially for daily use over many months or years.

• Regulatory Status: Because it’s a supplement in many places, it has not undergone the rigorous, long-term safety studies required for prescription medications.
• Potential Hormonal Effects: As a hormone, there are theoretical concerns about how long-term use might affect the body’s natural hormone balance, especially in adolescents.

Melatonin Magnesium

Melatonin and magnesium are often combined in supplements because they support sleep through different mechanisms:

• Melatonin: Regulates the timing of sleep (circadian rhythm).
• Magnesium: Promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and increasing levels of the calming neurotransmitter GABA. It may also support the body’s natural melatonin synthesis.
• Interaction: They are generally safe to take together, but combining them is thought to provide complementary benefits for falling asleep and achieving a calm state.