Melatonin May Not Be Your Best Bet For Insomnia

When it comes to the treatment of insomnia, there are a lot of options to choose from. Many people looking for a "natural" approach will turn to melatonin as their first line of defence. The truth is that this may not be the best choice, and here's why....

Melatonin is a sleep-promoting hormone that is naturally produced by the body in response to darkness. It is an important regulator of the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock. Research has demonstrated that taking supplemental melatonin is best for those who have a disrupted circadian rhythm, such as shift workers and people travelling between time zones. There is also evidence that melatonin can be an effective treatment for those on the autism spectrum who suffer from sleep problems.

When it comes to the management of insomnia, the best approach is to first identify the cause. Insomnia can have a number of causes including stress, a poor bedtime routine, misinformation about sleep, pain, hyperthyroidism, depression, etc. Treating the cause will likely eliminate the insomnia.

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