Let me first by saying that the chance of experiencing a melatonin overdose is ridiculously low. In fact, it can't even technically occur. Why? Let's find out!
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a completely natural hormone produced by our bodies. It regulates a plethora of our body's processes, including the process (or cycle) or waking and sleeping. The fact is that our natural sleep rhythms are determined primarily by light. There's a reason the majority of people work during the day and sleep during the night. Doing it the other way is simply not natural.
Circadian Cycle
The absence of light (especially sunlight) inspires our body to start producing melatonin. As the sun goes down and darkness approaches, our body takes note of this and so begins excreting higher levels of melatonin. This in turn causes our body to start preparing itself for sleep. This is why drowsiness and exhaustion begin appearing the closer you get to your bedtime.
Side Effects of Melatonin
The concern over the potential overdose of melatonin is relevant as per the side effects of melatonin. It obviously causes drowsiness and exhaustion, meaning it's not safe to operate a motor vehicle after using it. However, there has never been a single reported case of a so-called overdose that caused any significant harm besides tiredness and maybe confusion.
Dosage Consideration
If overdose is a serious concern for you, then simply make sure you stick to realistic doses of melatonin. The typical doses are .3 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. Simply put, never ever take more than 10 mg at a time. Voila. You'll never experience an overdose. Unfortunately, this isn't always easy to do because of the tolerance issue that plays a role.
Long-Term Tolerance
Most melatonin users get into the habit of consuming it every single day of their lives. They basically become addicted to it as per their need to sleep well. There's nothing technically wrong with this, but it does nearly always result in tolerance. When this occurs, many people by default just up their dose. The smarter way is to simply ween yourself off it for a few days (or longer) and then try again.
Additional Tips
Another way to avoid overdose is by choosing reputable brands like Natrol and Nature Made. These brands stick to what they say. If they say there is 5 mg of melatonin in a particular pill, then you know off the bat that it's true. Where you get into trouble is when you start ordering this stuff internationally, which to me is foolish beyond belief. Why do that when melatonin already retails for so cheap?
Conclusion
In conclusion, you really have nothing to worry about, so relax!
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a completely natural hormone produced by our bodies. It regulates a plethora of our body's processes, including the process (or cycle) or waking and sleeping. The fact is that our natural sleep rhythms are determined primarily by light. There's a reason the majority of people work during the day and sleep during the night. Doing it the other way is simply not natural.
Circadian Cycle
The absence of light (especially sunlight) inspires our body to start producing melatonin. As the sun goes down and darkness approaches, our body takes note of this and so begins excreting higher levels of melatonin. This in turn causes our body to start preparing itself for sleep. This is why drowsiness and exhaustion begin appearing the closer you get to your bedtime.
Side Effects of Melatonin
The concern over the potential overdose of melatonin is relevant as per the side effects of melatonin. It obviously causes drowsiness and exhaustion, meaning it's not safe to operate a motor vehicle after using it. However, there has never been a single reported case of a so-called overdose that caused any significant harm besides tiredness and maybe confusion.
Dosage Consideration
If overdose is a serious concern for you, then simply make sure you stick to realistic doses of melatonin. The typical doses are .3 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg. Simply put, never ever take more than 10 mg at a time. Voila. You'll never experience an overdose. Unfortunately, this isn't always easy to do because of the tolerance issue that plays a role.
Long-Term Tolerance
Most melatonin users get into the habit of consuming it every single day of their lives. They basically become addicted to it as per their need to sleep well. There's nothing technically wrong with this, but it does nearly always result in tolerance. When this occurs, many people by default just up their dose. The smarter way is to simply ween yourself off it for a few days (or longer) and then try again.
Additional Tips
Another way to avoid overdose is by choosing reputable brands like Natrol and Nature Made. These brands stick to what they say. If they say there is 5 mg of melatonin in a particular pill, then you know off the bat that it's true. Where you get into trouble is when you start ordering this stuff internationally, which to me is foolish beyond belief. Why do that when melatonin already retails for so cheap?
Conclusion
In conclusion, you really have nothing to worry about, so relax!
