By Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer
June 25, 2017 | Health
Most of us have experienced trouble sleeping at one time or another. Sleep disorders can take many forms, but they all disrupt our normal sleep patterns. A lack of quality sleep can have a negative impact on our physical, mental, and emotional functioning, as well as our energy levels and overall health.
Sleep disruption can be caused by a variety of factors, such as snoring, sleep apnea, teeth grinding, and nightmares. Some of these problems are normal and temporary, but if sleep problems occur regularly and interfere with your daily life, you may have a sleep disorder.
The Role of Melatonin in Sleep
Many people have probably heard about taking melatonin. The hormone melatonin helps regulate the natural sleep-wake cycle, and natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest at night. Some research suggests that melatonin supplements may be helpful in reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, although the effect is typically mild.
However, melatonin may cause several side effects, including daytime sleepiness, dizziness, and headaches. Less common side effects may include abdominal discomfort, mild anxiety, irritability, confusion, and short-lasting feelings of depression. In
