What Is Melatonin and How Does It Work?
Melatonin is a natural hormone made by the pineal gland in your brain. It helps regulate your sleep–wake cycle and controls your sleep schedule. When it gets dark out, your brain makes more melatonin to promote sleep. In the mornings, you make less melatonin to help you wake up.1
Studies show that melatonin gummies and supplements treat sleep disorders like jet lag and circadian rhythm disorder.1 It works best for shifting your sleep schedule to align with the days and nights. It’s also useful for treating shift work sleep disorder in those who work night shifts.
Most people consider melatonin a sleep aid, but it isn’t one in the traditional sense. Taking melatonin before bed might help you fall asleep slightly faster, but it’s not guaranteed.2 Researchers haven’t found whether this hormone works well for treating insomnia or improving sleep quality or length. Melatonin supplements might help older adults with low hormone levels get better sleep.1
Preparing for a Colonoscopy: Dos and Don’ts
Colonoscopy prep is a multi-day process that typically involves drinking a special bowel prep solution.3 Your doctor’s office will provide detailed instructions on what to drink and which medications to stop taking.
Generally speaking, you’ll spend the day before your procedure drinking a special solution that cleans stool out of your colon. You’ll also follow a clear liquid diet to keep your colon clear.3 This is so your doctor can see the intestinal lining and take pictures if needed.
Around one week before your colonoscopy, you’ll stop certain medications. These include blood thinners, which raise your bleeding risk during the procedure.3 Don’t stop taking any medications until your doctor tells you to.
Taking Melatonin Gummies Before a Colonoscopy
Research is mixed on whether it’s safe to take Melatonin gummies before a colonoscopy. Some studies show that taking melatonin before going under anesthesia helps reduce anxiety and produces sedative-like effects.4 However, most of these reports followed people taking melatonin within a few hours of their procedure. These effects may differ when taking melatonin gummies several hours or the night before.
Some healthcare providers recommend avoiding melatonin the week before a colonoscopy. Like blood thinners, melatonin may raise your bleeding risk.5 Be sure to let your doctor know if you take melatonin gummies at your pre-procedure appointment. They’ll tell you whether to take your supplements or to stop.
Alternatives to Melatonin Gummies
If you’re feeling nervous the night before your colonoscopy, you can try other medication-free relaxation techniques.6 Look up a meditation video on YouTube or play a relaxing podcast before bed. You can stretch, do some yoga, or deep breathing exercises as well. Over-the-counter sleep aids like ZzzQuil or Unisom may help as well.
However, be sure to talk to your doctor before trying a new sleep aid — especially before a medical procedure. It may interfere with your anesthesia during the colonoscopy.
Conclusion
When looking for a natural way to relax and sleep the night before a colonoscopy, you may turn to Melatonin supplements. Studies show that melatonin before a procedure is generally safe. Some experts recommend stopping supplements in the days leading up to your colonoscopy to lower your bleeding risk. We suggest talking to your doctor about whether you can take melatonin gummies the night before a colonoscopy.
Ready to get your sleep schedule back on track? Try Vital Promise’s Melatonin gummies to promote regular, restful sleep as nature intended.