Tag

Melatonin

All articles tagged with #melatonin

Circadian Delays: New Research Links Late Sleep Patterns to ADHD Biology
health-and-science3 days ago

Circadian Delays: New Research Links Late Sleep Patterns to ADHD Biology

Emerging research suggests a significant link between ADHD and delayed circadian rhythms, often referred to as being a 'night owl.' A 2025 review indicates that adults with ADHD experience melatonin onset approximately 90 minutes later than the general population, while children show a delay of about 45 minutes. This biological timing difference may explain why many individuals with ADHD struggle with early mornings and school schedules, shifting the focus from behavioral discipline to physiological timing.

Bedtime light exposure linked to greater cardiovascular risk, Tulane study finds
health26 days ago

Bedtime light exposure linked to greater cardiovascular risk, Tulane study finds

A Tulane University study finds that sleeping with more than about 3 lux of light at night—roughly moonlight—is associated with higher risks of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, likely through melatonin suppression and disrupted circadian rhythms. Experts advise dimmer, warmer lighting, blackout curtains, and avoiding screens an hour before bed to protect sleep and cardiovascular health.

Eat for Sleep: A science-backed guide to better rest
health1 month ago

Eat for Sleep: A science-backed guide to better rest

New research links what you eat and when you eat to how well you sleep, favoring a Mediterranean/plant-forward diet for better rest while avoiding late meals, ultra-processed foods, and high-GI snacks; protein sources provide tryptophan that aids serotonin and melatonin production, while caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep depending on timing. The article also notes the role of chronotype, shift work, and potential supplements like magnesium or melatonin, but emphasizes overall sleep hygiene and balanced meals as the most reliable route to improved sleep.

Magnesium vs Melatonin: What Science Says About Sleep Support
health1 month ago

Magnesium vs Melatonin: What Science Says About Sleep Support

Melatonin remains the leading sleep supplement, but magnesium is gaining ground, with 2025 NBJ data showing magnesium-based sleep products rising about 17% versus roughly 5% for melatonin. Experts warn the science isn’t settled: magnesium may help some people, especially if deficient, and it can be gentler with less morning grogginess, but robust, universal sleep benefits aren’t proven yet. Consumers should weigh individual needs and consult a clinician when considering a supplement.

Keion White’s Melatonin Marathon Plan for 15-Hour Australia Flight
sports1 month ago

Keion White’s Melatonin Marathon Plan for 15-Hour Australia Flight

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Keion White joked in the locker room about taking five melatonin pills to sleep through their 15‑hour flight to Australia, planning to sleep, wake, and repeat the cycle. The remark appeared in a video shared by a local reporter; health experts note that melatonin overdoses are rarely fatal but can cause side effects like drowsiness, irritability, and confusion. The team will likely have health staff oversight during travel, and White will have about a week to recover from any sleep-related aftereffects once they reach their destination.

Sleep Better Tonight: Tart Cherries and Balanced Meals, Says Dietitian
health1 month ago

Sleep Better Tonight: Tart Cherries and Balanced Meals, Says Dietitian

A dietitian says steady blood sugar and melatonin-rich foods can improve sleep. Tart cherries or 100% tart cherry juice may help sleep duration and quality, though evidence is mixed; she cites 4–6 ounces of tart cherry juice or a quarter cup of dried cherries as a practical option. She also emphasizes the “No. 1 way” to improve sleep: pairing lean proteins with slow-digesting carbohydrates and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar. Caffeine should be limited (about 300 mg per day) and avoided late in the day, as it can disrupt restorative sleep. Antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory foods may further support rest. Research on tart cherries remains inconclusive, and more studies are needed.

Chronic Melatonin Use Linked to Elevated Heart Failure Risk
health-and-medicine1 month ago

Chronic Melatonin Use Linked to Elevated Heart Failure Risk

A large, observational study using de-identified health records found that adults with chronic insomnia who used melatonin for at least 12 months had about a 90% higher five-year risk of developing heart failure (4.6% vs 2.7%), plus higher rates of heart-failure-related hospitalization (19.0% vs 6.6%) and all-cause death (7.8% vs 4.3%). The results do not prove causation and could be influenced by unmeasured factors or misclassification of OTC melatonin use; researchers call for more research and cautious discussion of long-term melatonin use with patients.

Hidden libido blockers: four supplements to watch
health1 month ago

Hidden libido blockers: four supplements to watch

A New York Post wellness piece warns that four common supplements—melatonin, saw palmetto, St. John’s wort and licorice root—may reduce libido by altering hormone levels or testosterone pathways: melatonin could affect the HPG axis at higher doses, saw palmetto may slow testosterone conversion, St. John’s wort can cause sexual side effects and interacts with other meds, and licorice root may lower testosterone. Evidence is limited, so approach dosing with caution and consult a clinician if libido is a concern.

Sleep aid or brain caution: melatonin’s murky impact on kids
health2 months ago

Sleep aid or brain caution: melatonin’s murky impact on kids

A study of 684 children suggests melatonin users have less REM sleep, a stage tied to memory, learning, and emotional development, raising questions about long-term effects since melatonin isn’t FDA-regulated and dosing varies; experts urge caution, prioritize sleep hygiene, and reserve melatonin for circadian-disorder cases with small, precisely timed doses while addressing underlying sleep problems.

Melatonin vs Magnesium: A practical sleep-help guide
health2 months ago

Melatonin vs Magnesium: A practical sleep-help guide

Both melatonin and magnesium may aid sleep but neither is a guaranteed fix for insomnia. Melatonin can help align the body’s clock for those with circadian disruption (jet lag, night shifts) at about 1–3 mg taken 2–3 hours before bed (do not exceed ~5 mg); magnesium may support mild sleep issues and relaxation, with a typical nightly dose around 250 mg, though evidence is modest. Favor dietary magnesium first, and consult a clinician about dosing and potential interactions (e.g., with beta blockers or blood thinners) or if sleep problems persist.

The Aging Body's Clock: Why Seniors Wake Up Early
wellness2 months ago

The Aging Body's Clock: Why Seniors Wake Up Early

As people age, the brain’s ability to sense time cues and respond to daily light signals declines, shifting the circadian clock earlier so older adults feel tired sooner and wake up earlier. Vision changes from aging, particularly cataracts, reduce evening light reaching the brain, making sunset feel earlier and melatonin rise earlier. Practical tweaks—bright evening light exposure, staying active, morning sunlight, and avoiding alcohol before bed—can help adjust sleep timing, and cataract surgery may improve light cues to stabilize sleep.

Melatonin May Ease Chronic Pain, Study Finds
health2 months ago

Melatonin May Ease Chronic Pain, Study Finds

A Prevention review of 23 randomized trials reports that daily melatonin (3–10 mg) provides moderate relief for chronic musculoskeletal pain and improves sleep quality, though it shows little benefit for post-operative pain; experts caution that melatonin isn’t a universal fix and advise discussing dosage and overall pain management with a clinician due to possible side effects like grogginess, headache, and nausea.

Melatonin Shows Modest Potential to Ease Chronic Muscle and Joint Pain
health2 months ago

Melatonin Shows Modest Potential to Ease Chronic Muscle and Joint Pain

A meta-analysis of 23 clinical trials involving over 2,000 participants suggests melatonin may modestly reduce chronic muscle and joint pain and improve sleep. The average pain reduction was small (about 9 points on a 100-point scale), with results weaker for post-surgical pain. Doses ranged from 1–10 mg and no optimal dose was identified; longer use might help a bit more, but evidence is limited. Melatonin should be considered as an add-on to established therapies (physiotherapy, exercise, anti-inflammatories), not a replacement. Side effects are generally mild, but those with liver/kidney conditions or autoimmune issues should consult a clinician. More large, well-designed trials are needed to confirm who may benefit.