What Happens After You Start Melatonin?

If you're looking to get a better night's sleep, you may have heard of melatonin and considered giving it a try. But what happens after you start taking this natural supplement? In this blog post, we'll explore the effects of taking melatonin and what you can expect once you start using it. We'll cover topics such as potential side effects, the ideal dosage, and more. Read on to learn all about melatonin and how it can help you get a good night's rest.



Feeling drowsy

When taking melatonin, most people begin to feel drowsy within 15–30 minutes. Melatonin works to increase your body's natural drowsiness, which helps you feel more sleepy and relaxed as bedtime approaches. You may also experience a slight decrease in body temperature and a feeling of calmness or heaviness in the body. It is important to note that melatonin should not be used as a replacement for sleep medications and should only be taken at the same time every night before bed. If you are still feeling wide awake after taking melatonin, the dose you have taken is likely too low and you should talk to your doctor about increasing the dosage.

Falling asleep

Once you start taking melatonin, you will likely begin to feel drowsy. Melatonin works to make you sleepy, so this is the desired effect. As such, you should try to find a comfortable place to relax and go to bed soon after you take your melatonin supplement. The amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep will depend on your body’s response to the supplement. For some people, it may take a few minutes, while for others, it can take up to an hour before they begin to drift off. If you find that you are not falling asleep soon enough, speak with your doctor about a higher dose or other sleep aids that may help.

Staying asleep

Once you start taking melatonin, you may find that it helps you stay asleep throughout the night. This can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances. Research has found that taking melatonin can reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as the number of nighttime awakenings and the amount of time spent awake during the night. Additionally, the effects of melatonin on sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) may last for up to two weeks after taking the supplement.

Improved sleep quality

Taking melatonin can help improve the quality of your sleep. Studies have shown that melatonin helps regulate the circadian rhythm and improves the time it takes to fall asleep. It also can help keep you asleep for a longer period. It can also help reduce the number of nighttime awakenings, leading to a better night's rest. In addition, some studies suggest that taking melatonin regularly may help reduce the overall symptoms of insomnia. Regular use of melatonin has been associated with improved sleep quality and more restful nights.

Other potential benefits

The benefits of taking melatonin don’t end with helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. Research suggests that melatonin may offer other benefits as well. For example, it could help improve your immune system, reduce inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, protect against cancer, and improve cardiovascular health. Melatonin has also been shown to help regulate body weight, improve mental health, and even have anti-aging properties.