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Neuroscientist Kumaar Bagrodia Warns Against Excessive Melatonin Use
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What Happened?
At the HealthWealth Summit, neuroscientist Kumaar Bagrodia cautioned against the overuse of melatonin as a sleep aid, emphasizing its hormonal nature and potential dependency issues.
Key points
- Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain, not just a natural supplement.
- The brain requires only 0.3 to 0.5 mg of melatonin, while supplements often contain 5 mg or more.
- Excessive melatonin intake can stop the brain from producing its own melatonin.
- Bagrodia emphasized that sleep issues should be addressed holistically, not just with pills.
- He recommended establishing a calming bedtime routine and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Key insights
- Excessive reliance on melatonin could lead to long-term sleep issues.
- Addressing underlying mental health issues may improve sleep quality.
- Personalized approaches to sleep aids could enhance effectiveness.
Why it matters
Understanding melatonin's effects can help individuals make informed choices about sleep aids.
Source
India Today
