What Is Melatonin? A Simple Guide to Its Uses and Legality
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Time to read 3 min
What do we actually mean when we talk about melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone naturally found in the human body. Your system releases melatonin through the pineal gland, given prompting (such as darkness) as a biological message that it's time to fall asleep. The release of the hormone is how we maintain our sleep-wake cycle.
In response to melatonin release, your body reacts in the following ways, for example -
- eyes become less active, becoming less responsive to light
- slow decrease in body temperature
- promotes a more restful mood
Regular and plentiful melatonin release is essential in helping us get enough sleep, ideally within the 7-9 hours recommended sleep per night. This, in turn, enables us to preserve both our mental and physical health, with the body getting enough rest to repair and maintain itself after a day's usage.
Signs of sleep deprivation (which could be linked to poor melatonin levels)
- issues with memory, productivity, and problem-solving
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- body pains and injury
- increased hunger
- decrease in mental health
- weakened immune system
Melatonin supplements
When natural melatonin production does not suffice - mainly in chronic sleep conditions like insomnia - synthetic versions of the hormone can be taken. These are often recommended as a last resort after all natural attempts at tackling sleep problems have been tried, as its use can have side effects, such as:
- headaches
- stomach problems
- excessive sleepiness during the day
- muscular aches
- itching
- vivid dreams
Common forms of melatonin supplement
- tablets, usually prescribed by the GP
- herbal teas
- pillow sprays
- chewable gummies
Is melatonin legal in the UK?
Taking a melatonin supplement is legal in the UK. However, it is only available via an NHS prescription after a consultation with a medical professional. Melatonin is legally classed as a medication, and cannot be ordered without authorisation.
It is illegal for melatonin to be sold over-the-counter (meaning without prescription) in the UK. Although the internet does offer melatonin products, these are from international retailers, and the NHS does not recommend buying them in their guidelines for use, as they are unregulated.
However, there are plenty of legal herbal supplements that can boost your sleep, namely magnesium, valerian root, or tryptophan, as well as flowers like chamomile, lavender, and passionflower.
Melatonin is a natural hormone found in the human body.
Melatonin can also be obtained through synthetic means, but only via prescription in the UK.
Regular and plentiful melatonin production is essential for energy and rest.
FAQs
Can melatonin gummies be purchased in the UK?
Melatonin gummies are not sold by UK retailers, and the NHS does not recommend buying from foreign suppliers.
Can magnesium supplements help you sleep?
Magnesium is a highly common ingredient in sleep supplements, made and sold in the UK.
How does magnesium help you sleep?
Magnesium helps relax the muscles and your mood, perfectly setting you up to in the right mental and physical position to sleep. Magnesium also helps balance the hormones that encourage us to sleep, regulating its release.
The Myza Editorial Team
The Myza Editorial Team works together to create and curate The Sleep Journal, a series of blog posts designed to help our customers with frequently asked questions and curiosities regarding everything in the world of sleep, from sleeping positions to skin and hair care. We also provide regular shopping guides, interviews, and reviews to provide insight into our hand-picked brand collaborations and the benefits they have to offer.
