If you’ve ever struggled with falling asleep, you know how frustrating it can be to toss and turn, watching the hours tick by. Melatonin supplements, especially gummies, have become popular to tackle those restless nights. But figuring out the right dosage can be tricky. How many melatonin gummies should I take to sleep? And more importantly, how much melatonin is too much? These are common questions people ask, especially when trying to find a balance between getting good sleep and avoiding side effects.
In this article, we’ll explore what melatonin is, how melatonin gummies work, and how to find the right amount for you. Whether you’re using them to recover from jet lag, manage shift work, or just get better sleep, let’s explore everything you need to know about these over-the-counter sleep aids.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces to help you fall asleep. It’s known as the sleep hormone because it signals your brain when it’s time to wind down. Your melatonin levels typically rise in the evening as the sun sets and drop in the morning when the sun rises and it’s time to wake up. This process keeps your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock) in sync with the natural cycle of day and night.
You may encounter the term “exogenous melatonin” when shopping for melatonin supplements. Exogenous melatonin refers to melatonin that is introduced into the body from an external source, such as a dietary supplement. These supplements can help the body prepare for sleep, especially for individuals with a sleep disorder.
However, exogenous melatonin may interact with certain medications, such as seizure-threshold-lowering drugs, potentially altering the supplement’s effects. However, with proper guidance from healthcare providers, melatonin remains a valuable tool for improving sleep quality and overall well-being.
Evolution of Melatonin
Researchers have studied melatonin over the years and found it does more than just help you fall asleep. It also plays a role in immune function, mood regulation, and even blood pressure. But modern life, like staying up late staring at screens or working night shifts, can reduce your natural melatonin production. That’s where melatonin supplements come in to restore balance. Now, more than ever, melatonin supplements are more popular than ever.
Recent Trends in Melatonin
Melatonin supplements are now widely used to manage sleep problems. These issues include falling asleep very late (delayed sleep phase syndrome), shift work disorder, or jet lag symptoms. Gummies, in particular, have become a favorite because they’re easy to take and often taste good. They’re also predosed, taking the guesswork out of dosing and making it easier to stick to a bedtime routine.
What Are Melatonin Gummies?
Melatonin gummies are soft chews predosed with a specific amount of melatonin. Many people prefer gummies over capsules or liquids because they’re tasty and easy to take. No water or measuring spoons are required. Some melatonin gummies also come with compounds that support better sleep.
In addition to melatonin, these gummies may also contain other ingredients that help support proper rest and sleep; two common ingredients include CBD and CBN. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a wellness-promoting cannabinoid, and CBN (Cannabinol) is a sleep-supporting cannabinoid. Both cannabinoids are non-euphoric and hemp-derived.
How Are Melatonin Gummies Made?
These gummies are made by mixing melatonin powder with ingredients like gelatin or pectin, flavorings, and sweeteners to create their chewy texture. Some brands also include CBD, CBN, or other natural sleep aids in their gummies to make them even more effective. These extra ingredients can help people with trouble falling asleep by promoting deeper relaxation. Once the ingredients are thoroughly blended, the mixture is poured into gummy molds. After the mixture is cooled, the molds are removed, resulting in a batch of melatonin gummies.
How Many Melatonin Gummies Should I Take?
So, how many melatonin gummies should you take? The answer depends on three factors: your age, body weight, and reason for using them. For most adults, the typical melatonin dose ranges from 1-5 mg. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to begin with 1 mg and increase slowly if needed.
- For children, it’s essential to talk to a pediatrician before giving melatonin to kids. This is especially true if they have ongoing sleep problems or take other medications.
- Young adults or people dealing with jet lag may find that 2-3 mg helps them fall asleep faster and reset their sleep schedule.
- Night shift workers might need a bit more to align their sleep-wake cycle with their work hours. But it’s best to stick to lower doses to avoid daytime sleepiness.
Taking too much melatonin for sleep isn’t dangerous. However, it can leave you feeling groggy and out of sorts the next day. It’s better to start low and find the smallest dose that works for you.
What Does Melatonin Do?
Melatonin supplements mimic the natural melatonin levels your body produces at night, helping you feel drowsy. This makes it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Melatonin is especially helpful if your circadian rhythm is off — whether due to jet lag or night shift work.
However, melatonin is much more than a one-trick pony. It can help with several issues, including reduced stress, improved eye health, and support for overall immune function. Research is ongoing regarding melatonin’s role in various non-sleep aspects of human health and wellness. As science evolves, so will melatonin supplements and the hormone’s role in our daily lives.
Benefits of Consuming Melatonin Gummies
Melatonin gummies offer several benefits beyond helping you fall asleep. Some of the main benefits of consuming melatonin gummies include:
- Better Sleep Quality. The main benefit of these gummies is to help restore your natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. They’re also a great option for people with jet lag symptoms or shift work disorder, as they help regulate disrupted sleep schedules.
- Reduced Everyday Stress. Melatonin calms the central nervous system, which can help lower stress levels and make it easier to relax before bed.
- Supports Eye Health. Some studies suggest that melatonin protects the retina from damage caused by oxidative stress, which may reduce the risk of eye conditions.
- Supporting Immune Function. Melatonin plays a key role in supporting immune function and potentially restoring balance in immune-related disorders, especially as the body ages.
Can You Overdose on Melatonin Gummies?
While melatonin overdose isn’t usually life-threatening, taking too much can cause side effects. You might experience daytime sleepiness, headaches, or abdominal cramps. In rare cases, high doses of melatonin can lower your blood pressure or interfere with certain medications like blood clotting drugs or diabetes medications.
Is It Safe To Take 10 MG of Melatonin Every Night?
No, taking 10 mg of melatonin products every night isn’t recommended unless your doctor suggests it. While some people with severe sleep disorders may benefit from higher doses, using that much regularly can lead to grogginess and interfere with your natural melatonin production. If lower doses don’t help, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before increasing your intake.
Can You Take Melatonin While Pregnant?
No, it’s generally advised to avoid taking melatonin during pregnancy unless recommended by your doctor. While melatonin is a natural hormone, there isn’t enough research to confirm its safety for pregnant women. It may interfere with hormonal balance and could affect the baby’s developing sleep-wake schedule.
How Many Melatonin Gummies Should I Take? Final Thoughts
A melatonin supplement helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. Taking melatonin gummies is a convenient way to possibly manage sleep issues. However, knowing the right melatonin dose for your needs is important; your age, weight, and reasons for taking them determine how much you should take. Too much melatonin can leave you feeling groggy the next day. If you’re dealing with ongoing sleep problems, starting with a small dose and adjusting as needed is best. When it comes to how many melatonin gummies you should take, the key is to start small and increase your dose only if needed.
For most people, 1-3 mg is enough to help with occasional trouble falling asleep or adjusting to a new sleep schedule. Remember that melatonin works best when paired with good sleep habits, like keeping a consistent sleep-wake schedule and reducing natural light exposure before bedtime. If you find yourself relying on melatonin every night, it might be time to look at your overall sleep routine or talk to a healthcare provider about other sleep aids. Melatonin gummies can be a helpful tool for improving sleep quality — but like anything, finding the right balance is key. Sweet dreams!