Melatonin and insomnia

Melatonin is overrated, here's what to take instead

With 1 in 2 Canadians struggling to get a good night's sleep[1], it's no surprise to learn that the demand for sleep aids is higher than ever.

The first option people turn to: melatonin. Popular across all demographics, its use has been on the rise since 2008.

Although melatonin is considered relatively safe, sleep experts and pharmacists agree that this supplement is not beneficial for everyone.

 

Long-term use effects of melatonin are unknown

 Studies on the long-term use of melatonin are lacking. It's still not known if it's safe long-term for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as for children or people with dementia.

 

Not all melatonin supplements are the same

A study from the University of Guelph[2] in Ontario found that some supplements contained three to five times more melatonin than what was listed on the label.

 

If your circadian rhythm has not been disturbed, melatonin is not very effective. 

Melatonin is a hormone your brain produces in response to darkness. It helps in synchronization of your circadian rhythms (internal 24 hour clock) and sleep.

If you suffer from jet lag or work night shifts, taking melatonin supplements can be very helpful in regulating your sleep cycle. If it's anxiety or stress that's keeping you up at night, melatonin won't do much for you.

 

 

What alternative can people looking for better sleep solutions turn to? 

Several non-hormonal ingredients are currently showing great promise in sleep studies including lemon balm, skullcap, passion flower and California poppy.

 
Lemon balm Helps reduce anxiety, restlessness and the effects of stress, while helping to remedy digestive disorders rooted in the nervous system.
 
Skullcap Soothes accumulated tension both emotionally and physically. It promotes relaxation by toning the nervous system.
 
Passionflower Increases the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. This compound decreases brain activity, which can help you relax and sleep better.
 
California poppy Can help calm nervousness and mild anxiety while providing overall relaxation to the body and nervous system to help you fall asleep.

Our 3 natural Bazzzics supplements (Bazzzics™ Pre-Sleep Serenity/Bazzzics™ Fall Asleep/Bazzzics™ Stay Asleep) are a combination of these 4 ingredients (and nothing more) and the reviews are clear: it works!

 

 

 

Discover our 3 products

 

[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-adults-getting-enough-sleep-infographic.html

 

[2] https://news.uoguelph.ca/2017/02/u-g-study-finds-instability-serotonin-melatonin-supplements/

 

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.