Melatonin alternatives include magnesium, GABA, valerian root, and tart cherry. If you regularly struggle to fall or stay asleep, speak with your physician, who can determine if underlying issues are causing your sleep problems.
Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to thrive. Many people don't get enough of it from diet alone. Many types of magnesium supplements are available, but magnesium bisglycinate shows the most promise for sleep.
Natural alternatives to melatonin, such as magnesium, valerian root, l-theanine, chamomile, and passionflower, are all-natural remedies that have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and help people get a better night's sleep.
Melatonin: Melatonin is considered one of the safest over-the-counter sleep aids, with few side effects. A prescription drug called ramelteon is designed to mimic the effects of melatonin. Like melatonin, it is not considered habit-forming and it does not affect balance.
Regardless of whether it truly helps with sleep or not, Dr. Ramkissoon doesn't recommend taking melatonin long-term.
Find ways to relax.
A warm bath or a massage before bedtime can help prepare you for sleep. Create a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as taking a hot bath, reading, soft music, breathing exercises, yoga or prayer.
Magnesium is best for those with magnesium deficiency, insomnia due to stress or anxiety, or muscle pain and cramping. On the other hand, melatonin is considered best for those who suffer from circadian rhythm disruption, hormonal imbalances, or melatonin deficiency.
Antihistamine sleep-aids (like doxylamine succinate and diphenhydramine) are largely considered to be “non-habit-forming,” because they do not cause physical dependence.
Magnesium glycinate is considered to be the most effective type of magnesium for bettering sleep, as it may help relax both the nervous system and your muscles.
Although many people use magnesium for sleep support, it isn't known to cause tiredness during the day. However, if you want to maximize the benefits for better sleep, it's best to take your magnesium supplement an hour or two before bedtime.
Melatonin is a hormone that influences circadian rhythms, or the body's internal clock. Both melatonin and magnesium can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, but magnesium may be better at improving overall sleep quality.
Keep it Simple
Supplementing both the mineral magnesium and melatonin together promotes a deeper, longer, more restful sleep.
For some, a melatonin supplement can lose its effectiveness after a while. If used for a long duration, it's possible to develop a dependence on it. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after taking a supplement for more than a few weeks.
Try going to sleep at the same time each night, and also avoid daytime napping. If making lifestyle changes does not help, then you might need additional sleep support. Talk to a doctor about a good long-term solution.
The most common symptoms of melatonin deficiency include: Insomnia – People struggling with insomnia, whether it's stress induced insomnia or acute insomnia, often have a difficult time falling asleep during bedtime and staying asleep.
Furthermore melatonin has been shown to have valuable effects on cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and endothelial function and it might benefit patients with heart failure.
What is a safe melatonin dose? According to Michael Grandner, director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona, “melatonin is very safe if taken in normal doses,” which is anything between 0.5 mg and 5 mg.
How many 10 mg melatonin should you take? In adults, 10 mg is the maximum recommended dosage. However, most people do not need doses of melatonin this high. While there is no risk of addiction, research shows that melatonin administration is effective at the lowest dose for the short term.
Doxylamine is one of the strongest OTC sleep aids. It is an antihistamine. However, it is only suitable for short-term use. A person should contact a doctor and check that doxylamine is safe for them to use before taking it.