Not getting enough quality sleep is a common complaint heard from baby boomers as they age, due to decreased melatonin levels. Melatonin is responsible for the circadian rhythms of the awake and sleep cycles which are important for reaching the REM stage of sleep, also called the dream stage. One might say humans and animals have an internal clock which is regulated by melatonin. Sadly, those with insomnia lie awake night after night suffering from a lack of this necessary sleep hormone. Supplementation, especially a melatonin sleep aid, has greatly improved the lives of many.
In a normal circadian rhythm, a person will become sleepy when it gets dark outside, and wake up when it gets light. In Alaska for instance, the days may be dark for months, which places the rhythm off track causing insomnia. Although normal people may be able to reset their clocks, aging people may not. This is why a melatonin sleep aid assists in restoring their rhythm to normal.
Many times a person may lie awake at night thinking of bills owed, employment, family, their marriage, children and pets. This causes a lack of drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability, which spills over into their day at work or home. When using a melatonin sleep aid, the person can settle down to a great night’s sleep and return the melatonin levels more rapidly to normal again.
Although melatonin levels decrease by age forty and are almost non existent by age sixty, supplementation with a melatonin sleep aid restores what many thought they had lost, a refreshing night’s sleep. Besides improving sleep for those with reduced levels, melatonin supplementation is invaluable for those who travel frequently and have jet lag, and those who work the night or graveyard shifts. Free of side effects and allowing a natural sleepiness, the person drifts off to wake up totally refreshed and ready to begin the day anew.
Melatonin sleep aids contain antioxidants which prevent free radical damage. The antioxidants are considered stronger and more effective than vitamin C and E. Some studies suggest the aid be taken as a nutritional supplement. Whatever one calls it, a refreshing good night’s sleep lies ahead.