Best Melatonin Alternatives

Since we are talking about a very broad topic there are a lot of things to consider before you can make an informed decision regarding sleeping aid. Melatonin supplements can range from pharmaceutical drugs to nutraceutical supplements. 

Thus, a lot of factors might not even be the same in alternative solutions. But we have tried our best to compile a list of features that are absolutely necessary for a melatonin supplement alternative. 

If a supplement checks out all these qualities you know that they are of the utmost quality. 

Ingredients & Mechanism of Action

The first and foremost feature to consider according to importance is the ingredients of the alternative supplement. Understand that melatonin supplements work by increasing melatonin concentration in the body. 

The high concentration of melatonin signals to the body that it's time to sleep. Whereas other supplements each have their own mechanism of action. The mechanism of action of alternative supplements is greatly influenced by the ingredients. 

Thus, understanding each ingredient and its mechanism of action is important before making the final decision. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a trace mineral. But even a small quantity of magnesium plays an important role in multiple systems of the body. Magnesium is involved in over 300 reactions in the body in one way or the other. 

Moreover, magnesium also works like a muscle and nerve relaxant. Furthermore, magnesium has a regulating effect on blood pressure and a supportive effect on the immune system. Magnesium affects our body in various ways and some of them play an important role in the sleep cycle. 

Since magnesium is a relaxant, it calms the nerves and muscles so our body relaxes. Furthermore, magnesium reduces cortisol levels in the brain. Cortisol is the stress hormone in the body and its high levels stop the body from relaxing. 

Thus, magnesium decreases stress in the body Moreover, magnesium deficiency leads to excitable neurons. On the other hand, optimum magnesium concentrations help the body relax by preventing unnecessary excitation of neurons. 

Glycine 

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid. It is produced in the body but mostly it is obtained through diet. As an amino acid, it performs many functions in the body. However, sleep and relaxation are the only functions relevant to this article. 

So, glycine is known to act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Glycine removes any excitatory stimulus and relaxes the brain through its inhibitory effect as a neurotransmitter. Moreover, it is also known to induce muscle atonia which helps in inducing REM sleep. 

Glycine is used to kickstart the sleeping process as well as omit the sleep disturbances during the night. Through its inhibitory effect glycine reduces hyperactivity of the brain and induces relaxation. Thus, it is one of the best options to consider as an alternative to melatonin supplements. 

Tryptophan 

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. Tryptophan must be taken through diet otherwise deficiency of this amino acid might develop. Tryptophan has various uses and effects on the body. The first and most important use of tryptophan is as a base material. 

Tryptophan is used by our body to produce dopamine and serotonin. Both of these hormones are essential in the normal functioning of the brain. But most importantly these hormones are responsible for inducing calm and alleviating anxiety and depression. 

Through this one function, tryptophan relieves the brain from anxiety and induces relaxation. These two features are very prominent in inducing sound sleep and maintaining sleep throughout the night.

Thus, the importance of tryptophan as a sleep aid increases even more. Even though tryptophan does not directly influence the body’s sleeping patterns. It can have a drastic effect in reducing sleeplessness and difficulty in falling asleep through secondary mechanisms. 

So we conclude that supplements containing tryptophan can be used as an alternative to melatonin. 

CBD

CBD is also called cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a plant-based element and it is derived from hemp or marijuana plant. Unlike common misconceptions, CBD is not an intoxicative element. It is a therapeutic element that has various benefits. 

There are many ways that CBD plays a role in making a person fall asleep faster as well as keeping a person sound asleep. In no way do these mechanisms involve intoxication. Cannabidiol is involved in the production of various neurotransmitters. 

This tweaks the nervous system in the right way to induce relaxation. Last but not least CBD is also a very potent pain reliever that helps people with chronic pain issues sleep better. 

Quality Control

Quality is the most important factor in any supplement. The quality control of nutritive supplements expands over a variety of aspects starting from farming practices and ending with manufacturing and delivery. 

Since all of these factors are out of the consumer's control, here are some ways you can ensure you receive a quality product. First, choose a well-renowned brand. Make sure that the manufacturing brand has multiple authentic positive reviews. 

A well-established brand does not dangle its reputation by producing defective products. Secondly, you can look for assurance from a third-party lab. Third-party testing involves testing the product through an independent organization. 

This independent organization tests the product without discretion and puts forth fair and true results. Third-party testing leads to authentic products. Thus the products tested by a third-party lab are a better option. 

Lastly, check for honest farming practices. You can do so by checking the website and see if the product mentions any GMOs or pesticides. If the product mentions that there are no GMOs, no pesticides used, and a third-party confirms that then the product is safe to use. 

These are a few ways you can ensure you receive the best quality product. Since there is no governmental body to oversee nutraceutical supplements. You need to make sure you receive the quality product yourself. 

Dosage 

Dosage of supplements is a very tricky topic to navigate. Each supplement contains varying amounts of responsive elements in its ingredients. The concentration of these ingredients affects the dosage of the supplement. 

Moreover, the condition of the recipient is also a critical factor in determining the correct dosage. The safest way is to consult a doctor and let them decide the correct dose for you. The second way is to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. 

The former is safer and better than the latter. The method of intake also differs from supplement to supplement. Usually, these supplements come in the form of capsules. These capsules can be ingested easily with the help of any liquid. 

A way to increase the effectiveness of these supplements is to take them sometime before you sleep. These supplements might function better if their concentration spikes before your preferred bedtime. 

Side Effects and Contradictions 

There are a few side effects and contradictions to each supplement. But there isn’t enough time and space to mention every one of them in this article. Just understand that excess of anything causes problems. Excess of magnesium can cause bloating problems. 

Excess of amino acids can disrupt protein building. So excessive intake of supplements can cause a variety of problems rather than solving one. Moreover, some supplements are limited to adults. These supplements should be taken with the doctor's discretion in case of any chronic illnesses or injury. 

Furthermore, children and adolescents should not take these supplements at any cost.