Another over the counter sleep aid that is available in leading drug stores nationwide are called: Melatonin. But my favorite brand is Schiff, because the price value and the amount/content per bottle.
I bought my share in Cash and Carry (where the prices are much lower) for about 500 pesos (i think) per bottle. It contains 300 tablets of 3 mg Melatonin with 25 mg of Theamine.
It is categorized as Dietary Supplement.
Melatonin is a natural brain hormone that helps us feel sleepy. Melatonin is usually secreted in our brain when we are in total darkness, hence, we fall asleep. Now for people like me who have insomnia, our Pineal gland does not secrete much Melatonin to even make us drowsy. Or our Pineal gland takes/requires a longer time to produce enough Melatonin to finally put insomniacs to slumber.
I've been taking Melatonin (different brands) for more than 3 years now. And it's quite effective. It does not give me total sleep--I still wake-up a couple of times in the middle of the night or early in the morning, but during the day, the lack of ample sleep doesn't take the toll on me. I feel much more relaxed (although nothing compared to; with a a full night's rest) maybe it is due to the added substance from Schiff, the Theanine w/c is found in green tea that has calming and stress relief properties.
The only negative issue I found in taking Melatonin is that; you will frequently have vivid dreams, weird dreams and in some other cases... nightmares! I wonder why?
In some other countries like in the USA and in some part of Europe, Melatonin as been added into the controlled substance category. Meaning, you cannot buy one without a doctor's prescription. Hopefully, they won't implement such here in the Philippines. Especially, when have a lot of call center people (with damaged body clocks) who needs sleep.
Melatonin is not addictive! Based on my experience, your body and eyelids will just feel heavy. You will have the feeling of tiredness from an all days work. That's it! No feeling of floating, flying, spinning, etc. YOU WON"T GET HIGH! ^_^
But of-course, it would be best to consult your doctor before taking any form of drug, whether prescription or as a dietary supplement.
To read more about Melatonin, follow this link: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melatonin-000315.htm
Two articles featured Melatonin in the PhilStar:
The Benefits of Melatonin
Melatonin Enhances Sleep and Boost Energy
RATING:
5 out of 5 Jumping Sheep!
YEAHBOY!
1 comment:
One such remedy that has gained popularity in recent years is melatonin. Melatonin is a growth hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in your brain. Melatonin hormones are secreted at night or in the dark and helps regulate the sleeping cycle. It is believed that melatonin may help the body know when it is time to go to sleep and when it's time to wake up. These days, melatonin can be taken in pill form to treat everything from jet lag to insomnia. However, like with all medications, there is the potential for serious melatonin side effects if take with other medications.
Reference
melatonin usage consider your age
melatonin side effects
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