Why Should You Drink Melatonin Tea?

Let's face it; 21st-century life is not well-suited for getting a good night's sleep. Our fast-paced world is only getting faster, and our bodies are struggling to keep up. Add in a hyper-competitive business environment, ever-updating social media streams, and demanding work schedules, and you have the recipe for a significantly sleep-deprived world.

In fact, according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, 35% of Americans do not get the recommended 7 hours (or more) of sleep every night. That's over ​1/3rd​ of the country with droopy eyes and foggy minds.

So, what's the answer? In search of sounder sleep, many have turned to sleep supplements. For some, melatonin tea—or other melatonin supplements—has been a big step toward combating insomnia. Read on to find out how melatonin tea can help with a variety of conditions and ailments, and why it may lead you down the path to a happier, healthier sleep schedule.

What is melatonin?

The key ingredient in melatonin tea, and the saving grace of your night, is melatonin. But what is melatonin? Simply put, melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone produced by your body via the pineal gland. The production and release of this hormone revolve around—no pun intended—the sun. The slow rise of your daily melatonin production begins around sunset and continues to increase as it gets darker. At dawn, the sun creeps through your window and your eyes—closed or not—signal to your body that it's time to wake up. Melatonin production reduces and you go about your normal, productive day.

Well, that's what is ​meant​ to happen. For many, insomnia caused by shift-work disorder, jet lag, delayed sleep phase syndrome, or a variety of other conditions can throw a wrench in the finely-tuned cogs of your sleep cycle. And melatonin is crucial to normalizing your sleep because it helps maintain your circadian rhythm—or internal clock—so that your body can stay on a regular sleep/wake schedule.

What are the benefits of melatonin?

Research into melatonin has found that it can have a large number of positive effects such as:

• - Helping you fall asleep faster
• - Allowing you to sleep more soundly
• - Anti-Inflammation effects
• - Anti-Aging effects
• - Promoting cardiovascular health
• - Helping prevent obesity, diabetes, and cancer
• - Promoting eye health

How do I use melatonin tea?

Melatonin tea works similar to other oral melatonin supplements. Additionally, many find the warmth, ritual, and drinking of the tea creates an atmosphere that sets the tone for relaxation and sleep. Melatonin tea bags often contain low-doses of melatonin, which are recommended as a starting point when taking melatonin for the first time. Follow these easy steps to make your cup of melatonin tea:

• 1. Boil 1-cup of water.
• 2. Steep melatonin tea bag in water for 4-6 minutes.
• 3. Drink the tea between 30-120 minutes before bed.
• 4. Enjoy a quicker, more restful sleep.

Are there any side effects of melatonin?

Low-dose, short-term use of melatonin is considered safe, but some may experience mild side effects. Such side effects include:

• - Headaches
• - Dizziness
• - Sleepiness
• - Stomach cramps
• - Irritability

It is not recommended to treat your child with melatonin tea or supplements. Additionally, please do not consume melatonin tea or supplements if:

• - You are pregnant.
• - You are taking prescription drugs such as blood thinners, diabetes medication, birth control pills, or immunosuppressants.
• - You have high blood pressure.
• - You have diabetes.
• - You are taking other sedative medications.

Lastly, please only use sleep-aides that have been cleared by your primary physician. Although melatonin is not considered a drug by the FDA, please consume responsibly.