It doesnt force you to sleep but signals your body that its time to wind down.
But with so manymelatonin productson the market, questions remain: Is melatonin addictive?
And how much should you actually take?
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Is Melatonin Addictive?
The short answer: No.
However, it is possible for people to become psychologically reliant on melatonin.
This is more about sleep anxiety than physical addiction.
Instead, your brain increases melatonin production in response to darkness.
Think of it like a dimmer switch for your brain, nudging you towards sleep rather than forcing it.
This aligns your bodys internal clock with the environment.
Taking it at the wrong time can lead to side effects like grogginess or a shifted sleep cycle.
How Much Melatonin Should You Take?
More melatonin isnt necessarily better.
In fact, lower doses are often just as effectiveif not morethan higher ones.
According to Gispen, the ideal dose is a modest 0.3 milligrams (mg) to 1 mg.
Most people take way too much, said Gispen.
How Long Can You Take Melatonin?
Its best used as a temporary toollike training wheels for your sleep cyclerather than something you need indefinitely.
But its not a magic fix for chronic sleep issues.
If you reach for it regularly, it might be time to work on your sleep hygiene.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Melatonin: what you should probably know.
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National Library of Medicine.Melatonin.
