Melatonin is usually thought of as a natural sleep aid, but it turns out there may be other melatonin benefits besides sleep. According to one study, melatonin could actually help with fat burning (which is why you probably heard of some melatonin weight loss stories).
Potential Health Benefits Of Melatonin Before Bed
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining good health. Not only will inadequate rest leave you feeling groggy and unfocused in the morning, but poor sleep health can lead to sleep disorders. Disorders such as rhythm disorder, jet lag, insomnia, narcolepsy, and obstructive sleep apnea. Melatonin supplements can help people improve sleep and stay asleep with less interruption. Helping to minimize the risk of these conditions. However, the effects of melatonin may not end here. Some other potential health benefits of melatonin include:
- Reducing the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): some researchers hypothesize that the depression associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder is linked to the circadian rhythm. Since melatonin can help regulate the circadian rhythm, it may be useful in treating SAD. One study of 68 people found that melatonin capsules were helpful in treating symptoms of seasonal depression.
- May help build muscle mass: human growth hormone helps our bodies build strength and repair damaged cells. Preliminary research indicates that melatonin may help stimulate HGH production
- May promote eye health: they say that eyes are the windows to the soul. It’s vital that we keep these windows in tip-top shape. One study suggests that melatonin could be helpful in treating certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, and another study found that melatonin could help preserve visual clarity as we get older.
Does Melatonin Cause Weight Gain?
Research suggests that the hormone melatonin may play a role in appetite regulation and, therefore, directly affect weight gain or weight loss. However, there is no evidence that would suggest taking supplemental melatonin would cause weight gain. In fact, its low melatonin levels can increase appetite and lead to weight gain. This begs the question, can melatonin potentially help with weight loss?
While there isn’t yet enough evidence to be 100% sure, early research strongly backs up the idea that melatonin could help you trim unwanted fat.
How Does Melatonin Help You Lose Weight?
Melatonin may cause your metabolism to process energy more efficiently. Someone with a “fast” metabolism can consume a high amount of calories without ever gaining any weight because their body converts food into energy very quickly. Some of this is genetic, but there are steps we can take to influence our metabolism. Research suggests that melatonin may increase the rate by which our bodies consume energy—speeding up the body’s metabolism and helping it burn more fat.
Evidence That Melatonin Helps With Weight Loss
According to a double-blind, placebo-controlled study from 2018, melatonin may positively affect human metabolism. The study looked at 81 post-menopausal women over the course of one year. Participants were split into three groups. One group was given three mg of melatonin nightly, another was given one mg of melatonin nightly, and the final control group received a placebo.
Using DXA to measure body composition, researchers determined that the group that received melatonin decreased fat mass by 5.1% and increased lean mass by 3.4%. The placebo group, however, increased fat mass by 1.7% and decreased lean mass by 1.9%.
While more research is needed to confirm that melatonin definitely helps with weight loss, this important human trial clearly points to the possibility that melatonin supplements could be beneficial for those struggling with their weight and metabolism.
Is Melatonin Safe To Take?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that is not only produced in our own bodies but all sorts of fruits, nuts, and vegetables as well. The average nightly dose of five mg has shown no serious side effects of melatonin to create adverse health reactions. Unlike prescription sleep aids, like Ambien or benzodiazepines, melatonin does not become addictive, and people don’t build up a tolerance.
Some users report mild side effects such as headache or upset stomach; however, these are rare. Melatonin supplements may interact with other prescription medications such as anti-depressants or blood thinners, so make sure to consult your doctor before starting a melatonin regimen.
Combining CBD With Melatonin To Maximize Benefits
Melatonin can be extremely beneficial all on its own, but when it’s combined with another natural compound like CBD, it really begins to shine. Not only is CBD potentially helpful in treating insomnia, but it can also help you unwind and destress. By helping to temper anxiety, CBD can help offer relief from intrusive thoughts that sometimes keep us tossing and turning in bed. Some people have combined CBD oil with melatonin, but as the years have progressed more CBD products are being distributed with melatonin to help you get a good night's rest.
The Vitaldiol Rest Capsule is CBD mixed with melatonin, offering both relaxing compounds in one convenient package. One capsule two hours before bedtime can help you fall asleep and stay asleep so that you’re rested and ready to take on the day in the morning!