Insomnia is a growing problem

In one large study, about 27.3% of people reported having some form of sleep disorder.

A 2018 study published in Healthcare found that nearly 27.3% of nearly 20,000 participants reported having some type of sleep problem.Another recent study shows that nearly 33 percent of adults do not get enough sleep and are short sleepers.Hand wages, not getting enough sleep has grown into a universal phenomenon.In fact, many experts say that this growing trend is part of a negative process of increasing stress: stress interferes with sleep, and lack of sleep causes more stress.

Research has also conclusively shown that lack of sleep can lead to numerous health harms, including chronic diseases, deterioration of mental health, and even behavioral problems.People are becoming aware of this problem and are resorting to alternative solutions to curb bad sleeping habits, including the use of new phone apps, fitness trackers, and even supplements, such as melatonin, to improve sleep quality.

A new study published by the American Heart Association late last year found a relationship between long-term melatonin use and heart failure.In particular, the study reviewed the records of more than 130,000 adults who used melatonin for needs related to insomnia or sleep disturbances and found a greater probability of being diagnosed with heart failure and resulting in hospitalization.Although the discovery of the cause is not necessary, the study requires more research and understanding of the common and common use of melatonin by millions of people every day.

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body to help regulate the sleep cycle;Normally, its levels increase during darkness and decrease during daylight, reflecting the rhythm of the natural human circadian rhythm.The hormone binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors, triggering several physiological processes that are downstream to induce fatigue, sleep, and a general "relaxation tone."

For years, consumers have been able to buy synthetic preparations of melatonin without a prescription and they are usually marketed as a sleep aid or as a solution for circadian disorders.However, because the substance is considered a supplement and not a medicine, manufacturers' formulations often bypass strict regulatory controls.In fact, in Europe and Asian countries, melatonin cannot be bought without a prescription because of the serious effects it can have with long-term use.

Another study published last year in the World Journal of Pediatrics found that the long-term effects of melatonin on children are simply unknown, despite its increasing use among the pediatric population worldwide.The study also states that there are no clear efficacy or safety data that would strongly suggest downstream physiological and pathological effects.Despite the lack of clear safety data and prognostic findings, melatonin use in young children is common, highlighting the need for additional research in age-specific groups. A recent review of the literature found that "the use of melatonin as a sleep aid for children under 6 years of age has increased worldwide over the past two decades, and especially over the past decade. In countries where melatonin is required by prescription, these prescriptions have increased by as much as 500% in some areas. Furthermore, studies haveshowed an increase in long-term melatonin use, with young children receiving new prescriptions for melatonin two to three years after the first prescription."

Fortunately, in the past decade there has been more awareness and education about non-pharmacological interventions to improve sleep in children and adults.Health clinics around the world are growing to help create better sleep practices and patterns for patients.New wearables and activity trackers are incorporating sleep monitoring into their devices.Even new phone apps are developed solely to help users sleep.Experts widely encourage improving sleep hygiene through simple but important changes, including less screen time before bed, restricting caffeine, and consistent daytime habits that promote regular circadian rhythms, including exercise.The hope is that by using these approaches, the social consequences of sleep efficiency can be improved.