Why You Shouldn’t Take Melatonin Too Often | Chris Masterjohn Lite #116

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I used to be addicted to melatonin. I couldn’t sleep without taking a time-release melatonin every night.

Well, it wasn’t really an addiction. It was that my sleep just sucked, so I was stuck using melatonin because my body wasn’t working right.

I haven’t needed melatonin to sleep for *years.* I regard it as a sign of the success of what I’ve done to fix my sleep that I don’t need it anymore.

Do you take melatonin?

I’m not against it. I think everyone should have some melatonin on hand in their bedroom and their travel bag. But taking it every night cannot replicate the natural rhythm inside your body. Taking a dual action immediate- and time-release can get close, but it just ain’t the same thing. So, use the melatonin when needed, but consider it part of the journey and not the destination. Until you’re off the melatonin, you still have fixing to do.

Tune in for the details!

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DISCLAIMER: I have a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and my expertise is in performing and evaluating nutritional research. I am not a medical doctor and nothing herein is medical advice.

[bernardojunqueira]

Whenever I take 3mg melatonin or more, I tend to wake up around 4am for no apparent reason, but now I see it totally makes sense. Considering I´m giving the body a high unatural dose around 10pm, it is not a surprise that the body understands that it needs to diminish its own melatonin production based on the negative feedback, considering I already gave a abnormal high dose of this hormone at a time where it shouldn´t be that high. On the other hand, that doesn´t happen when I take about a 3rd of a dose (1mg). It still puts me to sleep - not as fast as when I take 3mg - but it still works and I normally dont wake up in the middle of the night with that lower dose. I´ve seen ppl saying quite the same happens with them. So, negative feedback could probably explain this?

[TheJustaz]

You also have to take into consideration the age of a person. Those heading into their golden years experience many changes in their body including lower levels of melatonin. I take about 1 -2 mg most nights to help me kick start my sleep cycle.

[someguy]

I had trouble sleeping for much of my life. I don't take melatonin and I don't think it's the right solution. First, when I changed from the standard diet to a diet with healthy fats made a big improvement. What helped me most is being active and being outdoor, and lately getting adequate animo acids like tryptophan and lysine. Most people don't expense enough energy during the day and don't expose themselves to the sun, and too much artificial lights, all of which make it harder to sleep. I also believe healthy gut microbiome is important for sleep.

[theCHURCHforyou]

Chrismasterjohn does it again! Thanks you!

[imlean]

Great information. Be wary that the suggested dual-action melatonin supplement contains Lactose.

[gifgt]

Heard melatonin is a potent antioxidant, is that true?

Is CBD safer taken nightly, long-term?

Does exposure to a Vitamin D lamp in the morning help to establish normal nightly melatonin patterns?

[kevindower]

In the UK melatonin is prescription only and many tourists are very surprised by this. In 20+ years in pharmacy I have only seen it used in residential care homes for the elderly and very rarely in young children for very short term use.

[ratherrapid]

I take 10-12 mg/night most nights, though I try to avoid. doing it for years, no problem. i do worry that artificial melatonin might weaken body's own melatonin producing mechanism.
Insomnia is complex. for years I thought it was related to bowell movements--empty bowells before bed and sleep well. if u fail at this u have insomnia. Over much time this went away for me and now with melatonin I sleep well. What happened to melatonin as a life extender in mice?

[cynthiafultz]

My doctor gives me some for my insomnia and I am supossed to take it every night or as need it I take 2 five mg each night and now I'm out and have no refills my doctor said I'm addicted and before after awhile I could sleep eventually but now that I'm out I can't sleep at all sometimes melatonin don't work for me and here I am still awake at 5:20 in the morning

[lindseysears]

Would you happen to know when natural rhythm would be completely back and normal after past high dose short-term melatonin use?

[teresadougherty]

Dr D. Klinghardt you tube below, explains using liposomal Melatonin to detox your brain. He says the groggy feeling is not the melatonin, but the release of toxins.

[coxqxz]

Hi I hope you read this. When I was taking my meds I always take 2000mg rather than 500. Coz it won't make an effect when I do take 500 only. Is this normal?

[anonmouse]

CMJ I have serious questions about this post. My understanding is melatonin is produced from serotonin conversion and serotonin levels will vary. Depressed people usually have lower serotonin so they will have less melatonin each night. You say you spent years taking melatonin to sleep, were those the years when you were fat and thus likely depressed?(no offense) I have also read that serotonin is spared conversion to melatonin when melatonin is supplemented and this increases overall serotonin levels. Would this be a likely motive for melatonin usage among the depressed and others?

[MichielMortier]

What is the best combination to eat in IF or OMAD? Without diabetes or keto diet etc? Is it bad to use protein + carbs + fat combi or protein + carbs + low fat? Or like first fat and after the protein + carbs etc. What's your opinion?

[JohnDoe-lybt]

i came here for advice on melatonin, and he does give great advice,
he does really know his stuff
but he also looks sweaty like he was up all night hitting 8balls of cocaine

[JCrow-kznw]

I take melatonin for reasons that have nothing to do with sleep, per se. I do agree that you should take it intelligently. Certainly most people under 50 need to take a lower dose.

[mastergago]

Thank you, Chris. Please tell us, how you fixed your insomnia. I suffer from insomnia and nobody knows why.

[mellen]

It sounds too narrow/extreme to say “you shouldn’t take melatonin”. I’ve read that melatonin has a positive connection with breast cancer and in addition can help with acid reflux/gerd! It helps me with acid reflux! And older adults don’t make enough melatonin!

[mattlarson]

Mute aches every night since I was 7 and has grown a dependence on it👁️👄👁️