
Experts are not sure what is the safest, most effective amount of melatonin to take. Some studies have found that melatonin may suppress other hormones, including sex hormones, in the body. Melatonin: Many people take melatonin as a supplement to help them sleep, but it may not be as effective as previously believed. Try using 50 mg of the supplement version for better sleep. It is found in chamomile, often used to make a relaxing bedtime tea. As a supplement, try taking 200-400 mg to improve your sleep.Īpigenin: Apigenin is widely found in plants and may promote relaxation. It has a number of health benefits, and may help people feel calmer. Theanine: Theanine is an amino acid found naturally in tea leaves. Take 200-400mg about 30 minutes before bed. Supplement companies offer different forms of magnesium, but the L-threonate formmay be the best for sleep. Magnesium Threonate: Magnesium is important for many different functions in the body. Here are some common supplements used for sleep: Many people take supplements to help them sleep, but research on their use is limited, and they may not be appropriate for everyone. This is why screen time late at night can harm your sleep quality. (Cortisol helps signal the production of melatonin.)īlue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production. Our bodies release melatonin in the morning so that it builds up over the course of the day. Melatonin is another naturally occurring hormone. However, these hormones are also known as “stress hormones.” When the body releases too much of them for too long, it can lead to chronic stress and insomnia. Daylight exposure, particularly early in the morning, can help encourage healthy release of these chemicals. The body starts to release these hormones when we wake up, helping us feel alert.

The hormones cortisol and epinephrine(also known as adrenaline) have a major role in our sleep-wake cycle. Using caffeine too much, or at the wrong time, can interfere with this chemical. However, adenosine can be blocked by caffeine.

This makes us sleepy and signals our bodies to be ready for sleep. It plays an important role in many functions, including digestion, respiration, heart function, and our central nervous and immune systems.Īdenosine begins to build up when we wake in the morning, slowly accumulating over the day. This may help you better understand their role in getting a good night’s sleep.Īdenosine is a chemical found in all human cells. Let’s examine some of the chemicals involved in the body’s sleep process. This makes sleep a crucial factor to consider in your behavioral health clients. From cardiovascular disease to bipolar disorder, lack of sleep has been connected to a wide variety of health conditions.

Insufficient sleep can be harmful to your physical health as well as damaging to your mental wellbeing.
