Melatonin is a sleep hormone. People take melatonin as a vitamin supplement that helps them to sleep better. Melatonin is produced in a good amount when it is dark and is underproduced in light. 

Safety issues of melatonin

Melatonin in the form of supplement medicine is safe only for short-term use. Taking it continuously makes the body habituated to it and the response diminished. The most common side effects of melatonin are dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and nausea. Other, less common melatonin side effects might include short-lasting feelings of depression, mild tremor, mild anxiety, abdominal cramps, irritability, reduced alertness, confusion or disorientation, and abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension).

Uses of melatonin

Melatonin shows drug interaction with some of the common medicines like anticoagulants, antiplatelets, anticonvulsants, antidiabetic drugs, contraceptive drugs etc. Melatonin drugs are useful in trouble falling asleep, Non 24-hour sleep-wake disorder. It can be quite effective in managing insomnia, migraine, anxiety, cancer, controlling confusion and agitation after surgery, during high blood pressure also.

Many of us think that we need to take this as a vitamin supplement but what if we say that there are some foods that are high in melatonin? Consuming these food items will level up the melatonin and then there will not be any requirement for supplements.

Nuts – Almonds and pista have the highest amount of melatonin. They both contain magnesium in good amounts thus they may help you achieve a good night’s sleep.

Eggs – Eggs are rich in protein and iron which are very much essential for good health. Apart from helping in getting better sleep, eggs have various other therapeutic effects also. Sufficient levels of melatonin in the body can prevent age-related degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Bananas – Bananas are rich in vitamin b6 and magnesium, the composition that promotes good sleep. Bananas are a great source of melatonin too.

Milk – Cow’s milk is a good source of melatonin. Drinking it before going to bed can actually aid you in getting good quality sleep. Research has also proved that milk contains some sleep-promoting properties in it.

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)