Why You Shouldn't Take Melatonin Too Often | Chris Masterjohn Lite #116

Why You Shouldn't Take Melatonin Too Often | Chris Masterjohn Lite #116

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD February 28, 2019 Duration: 7:34

I used to be addicted to melatonin. I couldn't sleep without taking a time-release melatonin every night.

Well, it wasn't really an addiction. It was that my sleep just sucked, so I was stuck using melatonin because my body wasn't working right.

I haven't needed melatonin to sleep for *years.* I regard it as a sign of the success of what I've done to fix my sleep that I don't need it anymore.

Do you take melatonin?

I'm not against it. I think everyone should have some melatonin on hand in their bedroom and their travel bag. But taking it every night cannot replicate the natural rhythm inside your body. Taking a dual action immediate- and time-release can get close, but it just ain't the same thing. So, use the melatonin when needed, but consider it part of the journey and not the destination. Until you're off the melatonin, you still have fixing to do.

Tune in for the details!

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For more detail on the underlying science behind this episode, see part 4 of my Nutrition in Neuroscience series:  https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/2019/02/01/nutrition-in-neuroscience-part-4/

Here's a good dual-action melatonin you could take when needed. Purchasing it with my link will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the free work I put out: https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/amazon/dualactionmelatonin

Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 712

Mastering Nutrition
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