Elements Natural Medicine

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Making Sense of Melatonin

Confused by all the different options for melatonin supplements? Let’s set this straight. 

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain in response to darkness—following a cyclical 24-hour rhythm. Melatonin supplements can be taken to support sleep

Here are the top 3 questions I get about melatonin:

1️⃣ Should I take regular or timed-release melatonin?

If you struggle to FALL asleep, you’ll want to take regular melatonin for the fastest action. If you struggle to STAY asleep, timed-release is best. 

2️⃣ Should I take capsules, tablets, or a liquid?

If you want the fastest action to support sleep onset, it’s best to choose a liquid or a sublingual tablet. That way the melatonin can absorb directly into the capillaries under the tongue for the quickest effect. 

3️⃣ How much should I take? 

The optimal amount depends on your individual response as well as the reason you are taking melatonin (lower amounts support sleep whereas higher amounts support immune function). It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional!

Melatonin is just one tool in our toolkit to support sleep. If you struggle with sleep and want a natural approach to sleeping better, we invite you to book an appointment!