MELATONINA: come, quando e perché

Melatonin: what it's for, how it's produced, and what its benefits are. Melatonin is a hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland, a small structure located in the brain. Its main function is to regulate the circadian rhythm, the sleep-wake cycle that repeats every 24 hours. Melatonin is secreted in response to darkness and reaches its peak during the night, while decreasing with daylight. In this way, melatonin signals our body when it's time to sleep and when to wake up. Melatonin also has other important health functions, such as: • acting as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals; • modulating the immune system, promoting defenses against infections and inflammation; • influencing the production of other hormones, such as cortisol, thyroxine, and sex hormones; • participating in the regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism. Melatonin for Sleep: Benefits and Dosage Melatonin is often used as a supplement to improve sleep quality and combat insomnia. Indeed, melatonin can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, increase sleep duration, and reduce the number of nighttime awakenings. Furthermore, melatonin can alleviate symptoms of jet lag, which is the disruption between the internal and external circadian rhythms caused by air travel across different time zones. Melatonin is available in drops, tablets, or capsules, preferably taken before bed. Dosage varies based on individual needs and the severity of sleep disturbances. In general, it is recommended to start with a low dose (0.5-1 mg) and gradually increase it until the desired effect is achieved. The maximum daily dose is 2 mg. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking melatonin, especially if you suffer from chronic conditions or are taking other medications. Additional Functions One of the main beneficial effects of melatonin is its antioxidant action. The hormone can neutralize free radicals, substances that can damage our body's cells and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition, melatonin has been shown to have antitumor effects. The hormone can inhibit the growth of tumor cells and stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. Melatonin: Side Effects and Contraindications Melatonin is generally well-tolerated and safe when taken in recommended doses and for limited periods. However, some side effects may occur, such as: • daytime drowsiness; • headache; • nausea; • irritability; • nightmares; • changes in the menstrual cycle. To reduce the risk of these side effects, it is advisable to avoid driving or performing activities that require alertness after taking melatonin. Furthermore, it is not recommended to take alcohol or other sedatives with melatonin. Melatonin is contraindicated in cases of allergy to the active ingredient or any of the excipients. Furthermore, it should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or adolescents without ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Topics: orthognathic surgery, tilted occlusal plane, Class III skeletal disorders, Class II skeletal disorders. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ USEFUL LINKS: YouTube Channel:    / @fabiofiliacimaxillofacciale   Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/docfabiofili... Instagram Profile:   / dottfabiofiliaci_maxillo   Website: https://www.chirurgiamaxillofiliaci.it/ Contact: [email protected] Phone: 3290686691 #dottorfabiofiliaci #maxillofacialsurgery #melatonin #sleepdisorders a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/3d..."-Image by kjpargeter-/a- on Freepik