Melatonin - What Is Melatonin Explained - Benefits, Side Effects Of Melatonin

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:59:25 +0000

In this video we discuss what is melatonin, how our body uses it in different ways, and melatonin as a supplement. We also cover how it affects sleep.

Transcript/notes
What is melatonin? Well, melatonin is actually a hormone that is increased by the brain in response to darkness, and decreases in the morning as it gets lighter outside.

Melatonin works with the body’s natural circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock, which signals when it is time to sleep, time to wake, and time to eat.

In some people, low melatonin levels can be caused by alcohol or caffeine consumption, smoking, aging, some medications and exposure to high levels of light at night from certain electronic devices.

Taking a melatonin supplement on a short term basis, 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime can help some people fall asleep and can also help increase sleep duration. 1 to 5 milligrams generally appears to be effective but varies greatly from person to person and it is typically smarter to start out with a lower dosage, but it is always best to consult your doctor before taking any type of sleep aide.

Melatonin also plays a role in body temperature regulation, blood pressure regulation, and blood glucose regulation.

Some of the reported side effects of melatonin include headache, dizziness, nausea and sleepiness. And many sources recommend not taking a melatonin supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disorder, have diabetes or high blood pressure and if you are taking a medication, check with your pharmacist.

The bottom line is that for some people, taking a low dose of melatonin, over a short period of time to help with sleep may be beneficial.

Chapters/Timestamps
0:00 What is melatonin?
0:19 Some causes of low melatonin
0:32 Melatonin as a supplement
0:55 Other roles of melatonin in the body
1:05 Some side effects of melatonin
1:24 Bottom line