Top Sleep Supplement: Comes with RISKS?

I have to wonder sometimes if America’s obsession with zombie movies is because so many of us are walking around feeling half-dead from lack of decent sleep.

Because, frankly, the statistics are shocking.

According to the Sleep Foundation, up to 30 percent of adults struggle with chronic insomnia. And if you’re a senior, the outlook is even WORSE.

Nearly half of seniors (up to 48 percent) could be battling sleeplessness.

It’s why I often share tips about getting both MORE shuteye and BETTER sleep.

But my advice today is going to be a bit different.

Because I want to alert you to a growing threat and share a tip on what NOT to do.

And in this case, it’s bound to shock a few folks. Because this threat has nothing to do with the sleep meds, I often warn you about.

Instead, it’s an incredibly popular NATURAL supplement. Which, despite that popularity, could be doing folks far more harm than good.

The use of melatonin supplements has DOUBLED in the last decade. And that’s mainly because of the growing (and dangerous) misconception that natural always means safe.

It’s simply NOT true. And the herbal supplement melatonin is the perfect example.

Folks think because it’s a natural supplement, it must be harmless. But the truth is melatonin is a HORMONE, and taking it comes with some risks.

Melatonin plays a critical role in regulating your body’s sleep cycles. But using too much of the hormone—or using it for prolonged periods—can cause various health issues.

Among the most concerning is the retinal thinning seen with prolonged use in animal studies. But it’s also been linked to headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, and low blood pressure. And it can interact with certain medications.

Short-term use of melatonin might be okay in some cases.

But long-term use raises your risks. Plus, there’s a good chance you’re getting far MORE of the hormone than you realize.

Studies have found that some melatonin products on store shelves have up to 478 percent higher levels than what’s listed on the label.

A far better approach than taking melatonin supplements is to give your body the building blocks to produce its own melatonin.

Melatonin precursors 5-HTP and hydroxytryptophan are safe and effective supplements that can help with sleep without any of the potential problems that come with melatonin.

P.S. Many common foods contain melatonin. Eat more of them, and you could end up getting all the melatonin you need for better sleep. CLICK HERE to find out what they are.

Source:

“Trends in Use of Melatonin Supplements Among US Adults,” 1999-2018. JAMA. 2022;327(5):483–485. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.23652