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September 14, 2021How can Moms achieve balance between work and home?
September 16, 2021Melatonin is increasingly used as a pharmacological sleep aid but questions have been raised about its impact on blood sugar.
Researchers in Denmark performed a meta-analysis of 11 studies looking at these issues and concluded that melatonin is a safe sleep aid both and may actually have a beneficial effect on blood sugar.
Melatonin is a hormone and should be used at the lowest dose that will work.
ConsumerLab.com recommends starting with 0.5 or 1 mg per night, and if that doesn’t work, try 3 mg.
Higher doses can leave you groggy and have other negative effects.
Timed release products may help you not just fall asleep but also stay asleep.
ConsumerLab.com also warns, “Melatonin can potentially affect blood pressure as well as testosterone and estrogen levels . . . [and] also interact with certain foods and medications. Long-term use is associated with an increased risk of bone fracture. It is probably best to use melatonin as needed rather than on a regular basis.”
The findings were published online in Clinical Endocrinology.
© Copyright WLL, INC. 2021. This blog provides a wide variety of general health information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your regular physician. If you are concerned about your health, take what you learn from this blog and meet with your personal doctor to discuss your concerns.
