How to get melatonin out of your system? The Melatonin hormone controls the human circadian rhythm, and it is generally produced in our bodies when we are in the dark. With the increase of melatonin level, you start feeling calm and sleepy.
In the USA, melatonin is taken as a sleep aid which is called over-the-counter(OTC). It is generally found in drug stores or grocery stores. Melatonin supplements usually last in your body for about 4 to 5 hours.
Some people need additional melatonin to regulate their circadian rhythm, which is for helping circadian rhythm disorders in :
- Travellers with jet lag
- Shift workers
- Blind people
- People with dementia
Melatonin is mainly for sleeping well. Other use cases include migraine, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Let’s explore how melatonin works, how long it lasts and how to get melatonin out of your system.
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Contents
Working Procedure Of Melatonin
It is produced by the pineal gland (a pineal gland located in the middle of your brain). The Pineal gland works by the suprachiasmatic nucleus(SCN). It is a group of neurons that control your body by sending signals to each other.
In the daytime, the eye’s retina absorbs light and sends signals to the SCN. And then, the SCN messages your pineal gland to stop making melatonin, and it helps to stay awake.
And in the night, the opposite happens. When exposed to darkness, the SCN activates the pineal gland, which releases melatonin.
When the melatonin levels increase, your body temperature and blood pressure drop, melatonin loops back to the SCN and neural firing slow down, preparing your body to sleep. How to get melatonin out of your system?
Duration Of Melatonin Release
Your body absorbs melatonin very quickly. After taking the oral supplement, melatonin reaches its peak level in about 60 mins. You may start falling asleep at this point.
Melatonin affects everyone differently sometimes, and it may take more or sometimes less time.
Extended-Release Melatonin Compared To Regular Ones
Tablets of regular melatonin release supplements immediately. The dissolving time is concise, instantly releasing melatonin into your bloodstream.
On the other hand, extended-release melatonin dissolves in a slow process. This mimics how your body naturally makes melatonin through the nighttime and is better for sleep at night.
A wide variety knows Extended-release melatonin of names, including slow-release melatonin, continuous-release melatonin, time-release melatonin, prolonged-release melatonin, controlled-release melatonin.
The Doctor’s advice is good for you to take melatonin or not.
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Dosage
Its general dosage is 1-5mg. Doctors do recommend the lowest dose possible. You can increase the dose slowly to determine the satisfactory dosage that helps you get sleepy without causing adverse effects. Too much melatonin can be counterproductive. Circadian rhythm can get disrupted by melatonin overdose, and it causes dizziness.
The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) does not impose strict regulations on Melatonin supplements. Melatonin does not classify as a drug and can be on sale as a dietary supplement, just like vitamins and minerals, which the FDA does not monitor.
A manufacturer can list an inaccurate dose of melatonin on the package because rules are different for dietary supplements.
You should follow the instructions made on the package if you are not sure how much you should take.
How To Get Melatonin Out Of Your System?
Melatonin does not work for long periods and can be taken safely before sleeping. The average half-life of Melatonin is about 40 to 60 minutes. The half-life of a drug indicates the time required by the body to eliminate half of it. Also, for Melatonin to be entirely eradicated by the body, the average time required is about 5-6 hours. But how to get melatonin out of your system?
However, several factors can determine how melatonin works for different people. Some of them include:
- Age of the user
- Daily use of Caffeine products
- Tobacco intake
- General health condition
- Melatonin tolerance
- Use of other medications along with Melatonin
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The Top Supplements
We have listed some of the leading melatonin supplements below:
OLLY Sleep Guamines
These are some of the best melatonin gummies that you can buy. With a tart and blackberry flavour, these gummies taste well and work as intended.
Also, each dose contains about 3 mg of melatonin and various other components to aid your sleep.
Vicks ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Gummies
Along with an adequate dose of melatonin, this formula also includes components like ashwagandha and valerian root, which are beneficial for sleep.
Each gummy in this product contains about 6 mg of melatonin, which is enough to aid your sleep patterns.
Natrol Fast Dissolve Tablets
With active users worldwide, these tablets count as one of the best melatonin tablets to try.
Also, natrol tablets are pretty practical and have positive reviews on all outlets that keep a stock of this product. Each tablet consists of a dose equal to 5 mg. Helps get melatonin out of your system.
MidNite Chewable Tablets
These tablets are for users with occasional sleeplessness and contain only about 1.5 mg of Melatonin, enough to induce a comfortable sleep.
Also, this supplement consists of some other components like chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender.
Now Liquid Melatonin
Liquid Melatonin supplements absorb better and faster by the body. Also, with a sweet and simple flavour, Now Liquid Melatonin is an excellent choice for inducing sleep quickly.
Also, this product needs to be used as per the doctor’s recommendations, as there is no measuring apparatus included with the product.
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Conclusion
So, how to get melatonin out of your system? Generally, you should take melatonin 40-60 minutes before bedtime. It takes 30 min to start working, and it lasts about 5 hours, though it depends on factors like your age and health condition.
Usage of excessive melatonin can result in the disruption of your circadian rhythm. So, it is better to start with lower quantities and gradually upgrade to higher doses based on your requirements.
Stacie is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian from rural southern Minnesota where she, her husband and daughter reside with their two pups. She’s a content creator. She loves all kinds of fitness and has a passion to inspire as many as she can live a healthier and happier life both in and out of the kitchen – the driving force behind the co-development of the The Real Food Dietitians.