Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep? You're not alone. According to the CDC, sleep insufficiency is a growing problem and considered a public health epidemic.
According to the The Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institute of Health, about 30-40 percent of adults say they suffer from chronic insomnia.
Instead of taking a prescribed sleeping pill, you may want to try a more natural remedy: melatonin. Since it is produced in your brain, taking small doses can help regulate sleep.
But did you know that melatonin isn't just for sleep?
Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland, a tiny gland in your brain. This hormone is mainly in charge of regulating your sleep and wake cycles. But, Melatonin also has other health benefits.
Melatonin is also used to help slow digestion, calm your brain waves and relax your muscles.
A study conducted a team of researchers of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paolo, Brazil, found that taking 3 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before your bedtime can help sooth your migraines.
Are there any other hidden benefits?
Dr. Mike explains how melatonin works, why it helps promote natural sleep and the other hidden benefits.
Thursday, 27 March 2014 14:00
Melatonin: It’s Not Just For Sleep
Melatonin is well known as a natural sleep aid, but what about its other benefits?
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 1
- Audio File: healthy_talk/1413ht4a.mp3
- Organization: Life Extension
- Guest Website: Healthy Talk MD
- Transcription: No
- Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: No
- Internal Notes: NO GUEST
- Host: Michael Smith, MD
Published in
Healthy Talk w/ Dr. Michael Smith