An MD The Downside Of Taking Melatonin

Who couldn’t use more consistent, quality sleep? Melatonin is one option that many turn to to get an adequate night’s rest, but according to functional medicine doctor Frank Lipman, M.D., it’s not always the best one. Here’s why.

Why melatonin is best in small doses.

As Lipman explained on a recent episode of the mbg podcast

, he’s not against melatonin—but he does think it has a pretty specific use case: It’s best for helping with sleep rhythm.

“Melatonin is your main sleep hormone, and cortisol is your main daytime hormone,” Lipman notes. So, he adds, melatonin can be helpful if you’re experiencing issues with the rhythm of your sleep, such as jet lag from traveling. “If you want to get back into rhythm, melatonin is a good way to do so,” he adds.

But if your circadian rhythm isn’t the issue, taking melatonin likely won’t be the most effective option. In fact, he says, “Melatonin is a hormone. It can affect all the other hormones. And taking a lot of melatonin—a lot of people take 3 to 5 milligrams to sleep—over time is going to affect your other hormones and suppress your body’s own ability to make melatonin.”

If temperature is your issue, waking up hot, uncovering then recovering. Than there is a natural way to stay cool, and maintain deep sleep fazes. By using a mattress pad with water circulating under your body and pulling away into the water any excess heat.

The Perfect Sleep Pad keeps you at a constant temperature all night. This cooling pad is here to help with insomnia. You can now control the temperature on your side of the bed without disrupting your partner, enabling both of you to enjoy uninterrupted deep slumber.

BENEFITS

Reduces Hot Flashes Night Sweats.

Sleeping cool helps you fall asleep faster and achieve more deep sleep.

You can improve muscle recovery by as much as 30% when you sleep cold.