Many people around the world have trouble sleeping. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even reveals that roughly 70 million Americans deal with chronic sleep problems. In other words, people should surely use knowing more ways of dealing with sleeping issues.
Usually, the longer a person can sleep at night, the better. People who don’t get a minimum of seven hours of sleeping per night aren’t exactly living a healthy life. Doctors often recommend people have some good and regular sleep in order to maintain their mental health over the years.
A small amount of melatonin can increase the total sleep time
According to SciTechDaily.com, a new study brings hope to those willing to sleep more at night: it was found that only 5mg of melatonin can expand the total sleep time. Melatonin is a hormone and also a natural product that’s found in animals and plants. The human body is able to produce melatonin as well. The study was done on individuals who were at least 55 years old.
Charles Czeisler, Ph.D., MD, and senior author of the new study, explains as SciTechDaily.com quotes:
Sleep deficiency becomes more common as people age, and, given the drawbacks to many prescription sleep aids, many older adults report taking melatonin,
But we’ve had little evidence on the effects of melatonin on the sleep health of older adults. Our study provides new evidence and insight, and points to the importance of considering dosage and timing when it comes to the effects of supplements like melatonin, especially in older people.
However, larger trials are needed to see just how efficient melatonin can be. Here’s what Jeanne Duffy had to say, as quoted by the same source:
But before taking a dietary supplement, it’s important for people to talk to their primary care physician and get a referral to a sleep specialist to rule out an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
Duffy is the lead author and also an MBA, Ph.D. of the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders.
The new study was published in the Journal of Pineal Research.
