Melatonin – what is it? This question was asked by almost everyone who experienced all the inconveniences of the so-called jet lag - the forced rapid change of time zones that occurs when flying long distances. The body needs to get used to the fact that day and night will begin at a new time. To speed up the adaptation process, avoid sleeping during excursions and not suffer from insomnia at night, doctors recommend travelers take melatonin tablets.
Melatonin will help you fall asleep on time so you can stay alert throughout the day.
Melatonin is a hormone that synchronizes the functioning of the human body with the presence of sunlight. When a person sees light, melatonin production decreases and sleep recedes. It does not matter whether the visible light comes from the sun or from a monitor, TV screen, or lighting fixtures. That’s why somnologists recommend that patients who want to get a good night’s sleep stop using gadgets a couple of hours before bedtime. When the eyes stop seeing light, melatonin production increases, and a person can finally fall asleep.
By the way. The expression “sleeps like a baby” is closely related to melatonin. The concentration of this hormone in the blood of infants is thousands of times higher than in older people. Therefore, babies are able to sleep long and soundly, while older people have to take melatonin tablets to get enough sleep.
Melatonin tablets help you sleep soundly
pharmachologic effect
The sleep hormone melatonin is produced in the human body by the pineal gland, which is located at the base of the brain. Animal foods contain this substance; plant foods contain smaller amounts of this hormone. The secretion of melatonin also depends on the degree of illumination. In poor lighting, its production increases; in good lighting, it slows down.
In the human body, approximately 70% of the daily amount of this hormone is produced at night. Under the influence of melatonin, the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid and serotonin in the hypothalamus and midbrain increases.
Melatonin is a solid substance that can absorb or dissolve fat. It is a very strong naturally occurring antioxidant In the process of synthesis of this hormone, the body provides protection from the influence of free radicals, which provoke the acceleration of the aging process and the development of malignant diseases. This substance can penetrate all cells of the body and provide specific protection to the nucleus. As a result, damaged cells are restored.
The hormone melatonin also exists in a synthetic form, used as a supplement, which provides sleep-inducing effects and also acts as an antioxidant . This hormone is a natural regulator of the circadian rhythm, ensuring healthy sleep, falling asleep and waking up quickly.
If a person exposes the body to temporary adaptation disorders, the hormone ensures the correction of the body’s circadian rhythms, as well as the regulation of the wakefulness and sleep cycle. Melatonin tablets make it easier to fall asleep at unusual times, reduce the frequency of awakenings at night and normalize sleep in general.
The drug has a sedative, adaptogenic and hypnotic effect if taken in high doses; it also has antioxidant and immunostimulating effects. headache attacks decreases , the intensity of stress reactions decreases, and neuroendocrine functions are regulated.
Before starting treatment, the patient must read the instructions about what Melatonin is used for, what it is, and how it acts on the body.
Melatonin is more than just a sleep aid
The hypnotic effect is not the only beneficial property of the hormone. Melatonin adjusts the so-called human biological clock - it synchronizes the work of all cells, launches processes that should take place during the day or, conversely, at night. Therefore, with a sufficient amount of the hormone:
- the body clearly distinguishes between “good” and “bad”, “own” and “foreign” cells. This activates immune cells, prevents autoimmune diseases and the development of tumors. This property of the hormone is especially evident in its ability to combat breast cancer, the likelihood of developing which is reduced by 80%. There is evidence that under the influence of melatonin the growth of tumors in the lungs, intestines, prostate, and pancreas decreases.
- brain neurons remain viable longer. As a result, visual and auditory memory improves and mental activity is activated.
- The functioning of the endocrine system and gastrointestinal tract improves, blood pressure stabilizes, and the aging process slows down.
Wherein:
- the antioxidant properties of the hormone are 5 times higher than those of glutathione, 2 times higher than those of vitamin E, 500 times higher than those of synthetic antioxidants;
- the substance is highly soluble in fat and water, so it can quickly penetrate any cells, effectively interfering with the processes occurring in them.
Melatonin tablets help adjust your biological clock
Helpful advice. To prevent melatonin production from decreasing at night, sleep with the curtains drawn tightly and do not turn on the night light. When you have to get up in the middle of the night, try to use as little light as possible. For example, to light your way, use a flashlight or phone rather than an overhead light. If you had to stay up late working on your work, try to use minimal lighting. This will help you get better sleep in the remaining hours.
Indications for use
It should be understood when taking Melatonin that it is a drug that promotes sleep.
Consequently, medications with melatonin are prescribed for the following diseases and conditions:
- insomnia;
- conditions of the body in which sleep disturbances are observed;
- the need to regulate the biological cycle of awakening and sleep;
- the need to act as an antioxidant in order to protect against the effects of free radicals;
- to stimulate the immune system;
- in order to stabilize blood pressure and regulate cholesterol levels in the blood;
- for the purpose of preventing tumor diseases;
- mental adaptation disorders;
- anxiety and depression;
- to normalize sleep in older people.
"Melatonin": description, active ingredient
The drug contains the active ingredient of the same name - melatonin, as well as additional substances, including stearic acid, magnesium in the form of stearate, calcium in the form of anhydrous phosphate and others. The medicine is produced in the form of tablets, packaged in 12 pieces. in 1 package.
They should be stored in a dark place at room temperature no more than 25 degrees. The place should be dark because melatonin is destroyed in bright light. Access by children should also be prevented. The general shelf life is 3 years from the date of production.
Melatonin is a sleep hormone that is produced in the epiphysis of the brain. Normally, it is synthesized in large quantities with the onset of darkness, and after the arrival of light, on the contrary, it is destroyed.
The drug acts as a sleeping pill and is also an antioxidant - it destroys dangerous free radical molecules. It ensures quick fall asleep, normal, long sleep and good awakening. It also has an adaptogenic and mild sedative effect. Helps reduce headaches and minimize the harmful effects of stress.
Contraindications
The following contraindications are defined:
- high sensitivity to components;
- autoimmune diseases;
- lymphoma;
- lymphogranulomatosis;
- leukemia;
- diabetes;
- myeloma;
- epilepsy;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- childhood.
The drug should be taken with caution by those people who, due to their occupation, need to concentrate. It is also prescribed with caution for hormonal disorders, during hormonal replacement treatment, and for people suffering from allergic diseases .
Instructions for use of Melatonin (Method and dosage)
The instructions for Melatonin stipulate that the tablets are taken orally and do not need to be crushed. The product should be taken with water. Adult patients should take 1-2 tablets before bedtime. Adolescents over 12 years of age are prescribed 1 tablet before bedtime. The instructions for use of Melatonin stipulate that tablets should be taken 30-40 minutes before bedtime. You can take no more than 6 mg of the substance per day.
The attending physician explains how to take the pills in each specific case.
Sports nutrition that includes Melatonin should be carried out strictly under the supervision of specialists.
Interaction
When taking Aspirin , beta blockers, the level of melatonin in the body may decrease.
If you take melatonin and tranquilizers, sedative antidepressants at the same time, the effect of melatonin may decrease.
Possible effect on the effectiveness of hormonal agents.
Under the influence of melatonin, the level of binding of benzodiazepines to specific receptors increases. Therefore, such a combination is possible only with careful medical supervision.
With simultaneous use, the antitumor effect of Tamoxifen is potentiated.
With simultaneous treatment, it is possible to enhance the dopaminergic and serotonergic effects of methamphetamines.
When treated with Melatonin, the antibacterial effect of Isoniazid .
How to check if Melatonin tablets are right for you?
The medicine chosen by your doctor helps you if you:
- fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly;
- became calmer, stopped getting irritated over trifles;
- feel active and cheerful;
- We learned that the tumors had stopped actively growing.
To get visual evidence, take a photo before you start taking melatonin and after you stop taking it. If in the second photo you look fresher and even younger, the course has clearly benefited you. Get enough sleep and be healthy!
special instructions
It should be borne in mind that when taking tablets, there may be an adverse effect on concentration and the speed of physical and mental reactions. It is not recommended to drive vehicles or perform potentially dangerous activities that require special attention during therapy.
When treated with Melatonin, you should not smoke or drink alcohol.
Women who are trying to get pregnant should be aware that Melatonin may act as a weak contraceptive .
During the period of taking the medicine, you should avoid too bright lighting.
Why is the “sleep hormone” dangerous?
Like other medications, synthetically created melatonin has contraindications and side effects. However, the probability of negative consequences occurring is only 0.1–1%. People taking higher doses or not paying attention to contraindications can expect the following side effects:
- vivid, strange dreams;
- irritability, anxiety;
- migraine, dizziness;
- drowsiness, lethargy;
- high blood pressure;
- pain in the abdomen, chest, bones, muscles;
- nausea;
- menopausal symptoms;
- sweating or dry skin;
- itching, rash.
The list of shortcomings is impressive, but the likelihood of their manifestation in a healthy person, if he does not take potent medications, is close to zero. Other side effects are so rare (less than 0.1% chance of occurrence) that they may not be mentioned at all.
More attention should be paid not to the side effects of melatonin, but to contraindications. The supplement should not be taken in case of autoimmune diseases and liver or kidney failure. It is highly undesirable to take pills during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as under the age of 18 years.
The instructions for sleep pills containing melatonin also indicate that after use, you should not drive a vehicle, engage in extreme sports or other activities that require concentration.
Analogs
Level 4 ATC code matches:
Melaxen
Vita-Melatonin
Circadin
Analogues of the drug Melatonin are the drugs Melapur , Melaxen , Yukalin , Melaton . Despite the fact that these drugs have a similar effect, analogues should not be used without first consulting with a doctor.
Melatonin price, where to buy
Melatonin sleep tablets can be purchased at the pharmacy. You can buy Melatonin in Moscow at a price of 700 rubles per 100 tablets. You can buy Melatonin in St. Petersburg at a similar price. The price of Melatonin tablets in Ukraine is on average 80 hryvnia per 100 tablets.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
LuxPharma* special offer
- Vita-melatonin tab.
N30 1380 rub. order
ZdravCity
- Sleep formula enhanced. phyto-melatonin capsules Evalar 0.25g 30pcsEvalar JSC
RUR 535 order
- Melatonin-SZ tablets p.p.o. 3 mg 30 pcs. Northern Star JSC
RUB 313 order
- Melatonin-SZ tablets p.p.o. 3 mg 60 pcs. Northern Star JSC
468 RUR order
- Melatonin Evalar tab. p.p.o. 3 mg 20 pcs. Evalar JSC
RUB 211 order
- Melatonin Evalar tab. cover film.shell 3 mg 40 pcs. Evalar JSC
240 rub. order
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Melatonin-SZ tablets 3 mg No. 30Northern Star ZAO
RUB 333 order
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Pharmacy24
- Vita-melatonin N30 tablets PAT "Kiev Vitamin Plant", Kiev, Ukraine
73 UAH. order - Melatonin No. 30 capsules LLC "Zdravofarm", Ukraine
76 UAH order
PaniPharmacy
- Vita-melatonin tablets Vita-melatonin tablets. 3mg No. 30 Ukraine, Kiev Vitamin Plant PJSC
82 UAH order
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Additional questions
Are there differences in how men and women take melatonin for sleep?
Differences between male and female bodies are not the reasons for differences in the use of the supplement. Exception: during pregnancy and breastfeeding - taking melatonin is not recommended during this time. Another difference in side effects: in women, the supplement can provoke false signs of menopause.
How to take 3 mg of melatonin if the tablets have a different weight?
The first course of taking the drug should be started with small doses, increasing the weight only if there is no effect. If the weight of the tablets does not correspond to the required dose, they can be divided into parts with a knife or taken several at once if one tablet is not enough (it is important to take them at the same time). You can divide the dose of melatonin contained in capsules by dissolving it in water.
How long can you take melatonin tablets, are they addictive?
The course of treatment for insomnia is 1–3 months. Next, you should take a break: perhaps you can stop using the drug. Compared to sleeping pills, melatonin is slightly addictive, but the drug should not be used without interruption or unless necessary.
Why doesn't taking melatonin help with sleep?
If the drug stops helping, you should try changing the dosage or time of taking, taking a break, or changing the manufacturer. If there was no effect initially, it means that insomnia was not caused by problems with the hormone, you need to look for another solution.
