Guide to Melatonin 3mg, 5mg and 10 mg Tablets – Which is Best?

Melatonin is an indole neurohormone that is produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It helps to regulate sleep patterns and plays a role in setting the circadian rhythm of the body.

Secretion of melatonin increases at nighttime when it is dark out and decreases in the morning when light is detected. For individuals experiencing a sleep disruption, taking a melatonin 3mg tablet before bedtime can improve sleep onset times and promote a longer duration of sleep.

Higher dosage pills are also available, including melatonin 5mg and 10 mg supplements. These products are generally not recommended for individuals suffering from insomnia or other disturbances to normal sleep patterns and are generally used for specific medical conditions.

Melatonin 3mg product are available in chewable tablets, gummies, liquid formulations or in supplement complexes with other natural sleep aids, such as Valerian root, GABA and L-Theanine.

Melatonin

Sleep Supplement

Sleep

Calmness

Daytime Alertness

How It Works:

• Reduces insomnia, jet lag & daytime fatigue
• Promotes restful sleep & calm mood
• Supports brain function, wellbeing & anti-aging

Dosage:

Between 0.5 - 5 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Using Melatonin 3mg Tablets

Melatonin was first discovered in 1957 by Aaron Lerner, a dermatologist from Yale University, while researching a treatment for the condition vitiligo. Since then, there has been significant research into its role in regulating sleep patterns and more recently into its anti-oxidant effects and general health benefits.

Melatonin has a wide range of uses, most of which involve improving sleep quality and helping to alleviate insomnia. Melatonin is also used to normalize sleep patterns following disruptions caused by jet lag or due to shift work sleep disorder can also benefit.

Additional uses for melatonin include improving symptoms of benzodiazepine and nicotine withdrawal, infertility, exercise performance, aging, menopause, metabolic syndrome, mood disorders, cognitive impairment, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and many more.

There is currently research suggesting melatonin 3mg capsules may have benefits for cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. It has been used to improve asthenia linked to chemotherapy and has been researched for its effects on breast, brain, lung, prostate and gastrointestinal cancer.

While preliminary research has demonstrated therapeutic effects, Melatonin is not approved as a pharmaceutical medicine by the FDA for the treatment of any specific medical conditions.

It is sold as a dietary supplement in the USA and does not require a prescription to buy.

How to Take Melatonin 3mg

Most melatonin supplements are sold in an oral formulation, either in a tablet, chewable, gummy or liquid formulation. Melatonin 3mg dosages are common, as are 5mg and 10 mg tablets; however, 2mg melatonin pills are the most widely available formulation.

For insomnia and other sleep disorders, it is recommended to take melatonin shortly before bedtime. Some users report the best effects when taking this supplement one hour prior to falling asleep, while others say that 30 minutes prior to bed is sufficient.

Melatonin 3mg pills come in slow-release, fast-release and controlled-release formulas. Slow release products will provide a relatively consistent level of melatonin release over several hours to improve sleep quality and duration. Fast-release products are designed to improve sleep onset and shorten sleep latency.

In some research studies, higher doses of 5 mg of melatonin have been used for primary insomnia. However, these higher dosages are generally used for a maximum of one week at a time.

In addition to oral tablets, melatonin may be used in sublingual, topical or intravenous forms.

Sublingual: Melatonin is available as a sublingual (under the tongue) supplement. Liquid drops are placed under the tongue or quick-dissolve tablets are used. This sublingual absorption mechanism is said to shorten the onset time before melatonin becomes effective and is often used by individuals who suffer from insomnia.

Topical Applications: Topically, melatonin is used in some sunscreens to help block UV radiation and as a preventative against sunburn.

Intramuscularly: For cancer treatment, or to help increase the palliative care following chemo therapy, some doctors may prescribe melatonin in an injectable formulation. 20 mg of melatonin intravenously has been used daily for two months in patients with solid tumors.

Melatonin 3mg Side Effects

Melatonin is considered safe to use for adults when taken as directed for short-term oral application. Short-term used is defined as under six months of continuous usage. In some cases, it has been used safely for up to two years. However, it should not be taken for this long of a duration without first consulting with a doctor.

Children may be recommended to use melatonin by their doctors for certain sleep disorder or as an adjunct treatment for ADHD, mood disorders or other health conditions. However, taking a 3 mg melatonin dose may not be appropriate for your child. You should speak to a doctor to determine the appropriate dosing.

Topical applications are also considered to be safe, but are typically used to promote skin health and not for sleep disorders.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, oral melatonin is generally well tolerated, but some users may experience headaches, nausea, drowsiness or dizziness. It is recommended that users avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 4-5 hours after using a 3 mg melatonin supplement.

This product may not be appropriate for all individuals, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions. Do not take melatonin 3mg pills if you are pregnant, lactating or suffering from a seizure disorder.

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