What is melatonin and why it ss important for sleep
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the human body, specifically in the pineal gland. Its main role is to regulate the circadian rhythm – the internal biological clock that determines when we are awake and when we are ready to sleep.
As darkness falls, melatonin levels rise and send a signal to the brain that it is time to slow down and prepare for sleep. In contrast, daylight – especially blue light from mobile phones, tablets, and computers – significantly suppresses its production.
How melatonin works in the body
Melatonin does not work like conventional sleeping pills. It is not a sedative that “forces” sleep. Its purpose is to induce a natural feeling of sleepiness and help align the body with a regular sleep–wake cycle.
It mainly helps to:
- reduce the time needed to fall asleep,
- stabilize the sleep rhythm,
- improve the quality of nighttime rest.
When melatonin can be helpful
Melatonin is particularly useful in cases of short-term disruption of the sleep schedule. It is typically used:
- when traveling across time zones (jet lag),
- after changes in daily or work routines,
- during temporary shifts in bedtime.
Melatonin as a dietary supplement – what to watch out for
Melatonin is also available as a dietary supplement. However, a higher dose does not mean a better effect. On the contrary, it may lead to unwanted effects such as morning fatigue, headaches, a feeling of dullness, or disruption of the body’s natural hormonal balance.
Melatonin should not be used as a long-term solution for chronic sleep disorders. If difficulties with falling asleep recur or persist for weeks or months, it is essential to look for their underlying cause.
Long-term sleep problems should be treated by a doctor
Chronic insomnia may be related to stress, hormonal changes, ENT conditions, sleep-related breathing disorders, or other sleep disorders. In such cases, self-treatment with melatonin does not solve the problem and may delay proper diagnosis.
Quality sleep starts with proper diagnosis
A well-adjusted sleep routine, reduced exposure to light in the evening, and professional medical evaluation are the foundation of healthy sleep. At Canadian Medical, we take a comprehensive approach to sleep problems and focus on identifying their true cause – not just short-term solutions.
