Time-Release vs Immediate-Release Melatonin for Better Sleep

REMfresh
REMfresh
Sep 1, 2018 · 3 min read

Unfortunately, struggling to fall asleep and to fall back to sleep is a common trend among Americans. With no end in sight to constant tossing and turning, many people are searching for new solutions to help them sleep better. Additionally, with the growing focus on natural health products among consumers, those looking for an aid to improve their sleep often seek solutions that have no harmful side effects or unnecessary additives.

Melatonin is often the best, and most reliable, natural sleep aid, but you should be aware that not all melatonin supplements are the same. Not only can the quality of melatonin vary from supplement to supplement, but so can the delivery system. Before you purchase melatonin pills, you should consider a time-release formulation over an immediate-release supplement.

Time-Release Melatonin

Time-release melatonin, a formulation in which melatonin is released continuously and absorbed gradually into the bloodstream, rather than all at once, is a recent breakthrough in the sleep aid industry. By releasing the sleep hormone throughout the full sleep cycle, time-release formulations not only help you fall asleep but also can help you stay asleep. This delivery system was designed to mimic your body’s natural melatonin release pattern, which can be disrupted by a number of factors including your age, caffeine intake, stress and medication to name only a few. With a continuous-release melatonin product, you may be more likely to fall back to sleep with greater ease if you wake up in the middle of the night.

Immediate-Release Melatonin

With an immediate-release melatonin sleep aid, the full dose of melatonin is absorbed right away. In most cases, people who take this type of nonprescription melatonin sleep aid have no problem falling asleep, but often wake up a few hours later and have trouble falling back to sleep. Immediate-release melatonin is typically absorbed for only four hours and is not able to be absorbed beyond the stomach. These limitations may stop you from getting a full night of quality sleep.

What Else You Should Consider

When deciding which delivery system is right for you, there are a few other things you should consider about your melatonin sleep supplement. First, though melatonin is a safe and natural sleep aid, you should always consult your physician before starting any new medication or supplement to help you sleep. You should also look for a product that discloses the source and quality of its melatonin. A low-quality melatonin may make you feel groggy in the morning or may not produce the same results as a high-quality formulation.

For occasional sleeplessness, melatonin supplements are often a safe and popular choice. However, it is important to do your research to find the right melatonin sleep aid that will help you find some relief from your individual sleep problems.

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