By: Jacqueline S.
In recent years, there has definitely been a surge in the overall popularity of melatonin all around the world. However, before you jump the gun and buy melatonin sleep supplement for your nighttime needs, there are a few things that you should consider.
You can’t just buy the first insomnia and anxiety supplement that catches your eye – you need to ask a few important questions to make sure that you aren’t putting your health at risk.
What Is Melatonin?
Although many people today are being introduced to melatonin as an over-the-counter supplement, it is also a hormone that their brain has been producing since birth. The Pineal gland is the part of the brain that is responsible for melatonin production and this hormone helps your body to maintain its natural sleep cycle.
This is why it has become popular as a sleep aid – and by extension a means of treating insomnia. However, further studies have found that melatonin also has additional functions in the body, including aiding in the management of blood pressure and immune function.
1. Before You Buy Melatonin Sleep Supplement…Check If It Contains Any Other Active Ingredients
On its own, melatonin is relatively safe to take as a sleep aid, with the most common side effects being dizziness, headaches, and nausea. The real danger with sleep melatonin gummies and other melatonin supplements is when they contain additional active ingredients.
Serotonin is an example of a potentially dangerous ingredient that may be present in some melatonin supplements. In fact, excessive amounts of serotonin can put you at risk of life-threatening medical complications.
On the other hand, two of the best examples of ingredients that have been proven to be safe with melatonin are magnesium and CBD (cannabidiol). So don’t worry if you see any of these two as additional ingredients on the label of your sleep melatonin gummies.
2. Before You Buy Melatonin Sleep Supplement…Find Out If It Has Been Lab-Tested
Not only is this an essential thing to do before you buy melatonin sleep supplement, but it is also what you should do before you buy any sort of medication.
However, this is especially important for melatonin supplements because of the possibility that they may contain serotonin – specifically unlabeled (and dangerous) amounts of serotonin.
In a 2017 study, researchers analyzed 31 melatonin supplements and found that 26% of them contained significant amounts of serotonin that their labels did not account for. Furthermore, they also found that more than 70% of them inaccurately labeled the amount of melatonin that they contained (some less, some more).
3. Before You Buy Melatonin Sleep Supplement…Research If It Will Negatively Interact With Any Medication That You May Be Taking
As we’ve said before, melatonin is relatively safe on its own; however, it does still have the potential to negatively interact with some types of medications. If you take any of these medications, it is advised that you consult with a medical professional before using melatonin supplements:
- Immunosuppressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Blood-thinning medications
- Anticonvulsants (epilepsy medications)
Conclusion
Here at OEK Somnia, all of our lab-tested sleep gummies for adults contain our proprietary blend of melatonin and CBD, which safely promotes restful sleep.
Restless nights are wasted nights, so take back your bedtime from the clutches of insomnia – try OEK Somnia’s Sleep Gummies today!
