Melatonin is a popular supplement among those experiencing sleep issues, but is taking melatonin a good approach for sleep apnea? While melatonin is an effective sleep aid for many, it can produce varied results for those dealing with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
In some cases, melatonin can aid the body to relax enough for a more decent night’s sleep. But in other instances, melatonin can have a minimal impact and may even complicate sleep apnea. It’s best to consult with a doctor before taking melatonin.
You can also explore other types of sleep apnea vitamins, such as castor oil for sleep apnea, or medication like Xanax for sleep apnea under the supervision of a healthcare provider to see what works best for you!
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you should know about melatonin and its possible effects on those living with sleep apnea.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your pineal gland–a small gland in your brain that is part of your endocrine system. It plays a role in regulating your body’s circadian rhythm–the changes that the body experiences in a twenty-four-hour cycle. It particularly concerns your sleep and wake cycles.
How Does Melatonin Work?
Darkness triggers melatonin production in the body. When night time comes, melatonin signals the body to sleep by relaxing the body. Light (especially blue light), on the other hand, decreases melatonin levels and tells the body to wake up.
Melatonin is commonly prescribed to people who have a hard time falling asleep at night. By taking melatonin, it’s believed that it’ll be easier for the body and mind to wind down to fall asleep.
Can Melatonin Help With Sleep Apnea?
There’s still a lot of research that needs to be done to understand the impact of melatonin on the body, and even more research is needed to see how it impacts sleep apnea. That said, current trials show promising results.
A clinical trial on the effect of melatonin on patients with obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia found that a ten-milligram dose of melatonin can “improve sleep latency, reduce mid-night wakeups, and enhance subjective sleep quality, insomnia, and sleep efficiency.” This emphasizes the importance of considering melatonin to help overcome sleep apnea. It represents a valuable tool in potentially improving sleep quality and overall well-being.
In another review on the neuroprotective effect of melatonin on sleep disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease, research found that melatonin could be a promising neuroprotector to improve sleep disorders, particularly for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Conversely, some sources claim that melatonin and sleep apnea don’t mix and that you should avoid taking it as it can worsen your symptoms. As OSA is caused by relaxed airway muscles, melatonin could actually complicate sleep apnea because it also further relaxes your body. It could possibly help you stay asleep, but your sleep apnea won’t go away.
The Best Vitamins for Sleep Apnea
Several supplements can help you manage sleep apnea. Find out the best options in our guide, Sleep Apnea Solution. You can also try our online sleep apnea assessment, listen to our breathing routines audio, learn about sleep apnea nutrition, and get our sleep environment checklist. Check out our resources today!
