Finding it hard to SLEEP WELL?

Melatonin Can Help With That

As we age, many of us may find it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. This is because as we get older, our bodies tend to make less melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate sleep.

Melatonin is produced in the brain and released in the body every night in response to darkness. Its production and release is regulated by the 24-hour day-night cycle, known as the circadian rhythm, or body clock, preparing the body for sleep as well as regulating healthy sleep-wake cycles.

Many people with sleep issues turn to melatonin supplements to help get a good night’s slumber. In Australia, until recently, melatonin could only be purchased with a prescription, with some resorting

to sourcing their supplements online from overseas companies – some of which don’t have the same regulatory excellence as we enjoy locally – making it difficult to check whether the products were safe, of a high quality, or can achieve what they are advertised to do.

Fortunately, people aged 55 or over who have difficulty sleeping well can now buy Circadin®, prolonged-release melatonin tablets, without a prescription.

By gradually releasing melatonin in the body over an eight- to tenhour period, 1 Circadin® mimics the body’s natural release of melatonin to induce a restful, restorative sleep, as well as improve morning alertness. 2

This over-the-counter brand is for short-term treatment of people aged 55 and over suffering from bad sleep quality, and can only be supplied by pharmacists. Each tablet contains 2mg of melatonin, and is sold in packs of 30. If you’re not getting a refreshing night’s sleep, ask your pharmacist if Circadin® is right for you.