Melatonin; it’s the hormone that helps us sleep. For those with sleep apnea, it may seem ideal to take human-made melatonin supplements, but are they safe for sleep apnea patients? Here’s everything you need to know about the hormone and sleep apnea.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps the body control sleep patterns and fall asleep. Natural levels of melatonin in the bloodstream are at their highest at night. You can take a human-made version of the hormone to treat short-term sleeping issues, with many doctors prescribing the hormone to treat patients with insomnia.
Melatonin is predominantly used to treat sleep problems in people aged 55 and over. And it can sometimes be prescribed to help with sleep problems in children and prevent headaches in adults.
According to the Mayo Clinic, melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. Unlike many sleep medications, you are unlikely to become dependent on melatonin, have a diminished response after repeated use (habituation), or experience a hangover effect.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes breathing to stop and start during sleep continually.
Sleep apnea refers to a range of disorders, but the most common is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, when your throat muscles repeatedly relax and block airways during sleep. When the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off.
Should I Take Melatonin To Help My Sleep Apnea?
No.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is caused following the relaxation of throat muscles, which obstruct airway flow while a sufferer is asleep. Too much melatonin will actually increase this relaxation and potentially put a patient at risk.
We’d recommend consulting a medical professional before you consider taking melatonin for your sleep apnea. Often, a CPAP machine or other appliance is best to ensure a good, healthy night’s sleep.
How Advanced Homecare Can Help You
If you or a loved one feel sleepy over the festive period, please check our guide for spotting sleep apnea. If you’ve been diagnosed, we can help you.
Since opening as a small team of three back in 2005, our mission at Advanced Homecare Online has been to provide the very best sleep apnea treatments for our patients.
We specialize in one-on-one relationships. Our office team members and Patient Care Instructors are committed to educating their patients about their condition and understanding each patient’s specific needs.
We’re proud of what we do. Learn how we can help treat your sleep Apnea now!
