May 19, 2023
Americans are facing an epidemic of sleeplessness, and it’s killing us: Dr. Matthew Walker detailed in his book, “Why We Sleep,” the fact that insufficient sleep is linked to a range of health issues, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and weakened immune function. He also highlights the impact of sleep deprivation on mental health, with sleep disorders being strongly associated with conditions such as anxiety and depression.
As a result, many Americans are turning to melatonin, a hormone supplement to help them sleep. However, safety research is starting to come back with alarming news about the risks of the popular hormone supplement:
- Sleep-wake cycle disruption: When used inappropriately or at incorrect dosages, melatonin can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, known as the circadian rhythm. This can lead to further sleep problems, weight gain, and a loss of the restorative effects of deep sleep.
- Hormonal effects: Melatonin is a hormone that can influence other hormones in the body. Prolonged or excessive use of melatonin supplements may potentially disrupt the normal production of hormones, including reproductive hormones.
- Drug interactions: Melatonin can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and birth control pills. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you are taking any medications to avoid potentially dangerous interactions.
- Dependence and tolerance: There is evidence to suggest that long-term use of melatonin can lead to dependence or a decreased response over time, meaning higher doses may be required to achieve the same sleep-inducing effects. In turn, this increases the risks of other side effects manifesting themselves.
- Poor quality control: In 2017, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that the content of most melatonin supplements varied widely from their label claims. True concentrations ranged from 83 percent less than to 478 percent more than the amount listed on the label. Moreover, most melatonin is produced in China with hard-to-validate safety data.
As a result of these human health concerns, melatonin is currently banned from over-the-counter sales in Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada – yet it remains for sale on the US market despite the risk.
https://dailyclout.io/the-surprising-truth-about-americas-most-popular-sleep-supplement/