What is Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone (a chemical messenger) that is produced by a pea-sized gland (the pineal gland) which is hidden away in the centre of your brain. It helps to regulate your sleep patterns. Although melatonin is made in the brain, it circulates through the bloodstream to all areas of your body.
The sleep hormone
Melatonin in your body
Our bodies naturally increase melatonin production in the evening with peak levels occurring at night (during darkness), while during the day (when there is light) the natural production of melatonin is reduced. This natural cycle of peaks and troughs in circulating melatonin levels helps form our normal daily routine of sleep and wakefulness.
Melatonin for sleep
As it gets dark outside, the pineal gland in your brain responds by producing more melatonin, signalling to your body that it’s time to sleep. Being exposed to light at night can block melatonin production.
When it starts to get light, the pineal gland starts to reduce the amount of melatonin it’s producing, which signals to the body it’s time to wake up.
Melatonin supplements
Melatonin supplementation enhances natural levels of melatonin. It is used by people who are experiencing sleeping problems to help them get a good night’s sleep.
CIRCADIN is a prolonged release melatonin tablet
Not all melatonin supplements are the same. CIRCADIN is a prolonged release tablet where the melatonin is released gradually over 8 to 10 hours — this slow, specific bell-shaped release, means melatonin levels slowly build up over the course of the night, reproducing the body’s natural night-time peak.
The prolonged release profile of CIRCADIN is specifically designed to mimic the pineal gland’s natural melatonin secretion to help improve sleep quality and morning alertness.
Why choose CIRCADIN
If you have taken traditional sleeping pills in the past, you may notice that CIRCADIN works a little differently — the effects are gradual. CIRCADIN works with your body to help supplement low levels of night-time melatonin. It gently lets your body know that it’s time to sleep so you can relax and fall asleep more easily.
CIRCADIN is usually well-tolerated by most people. Many other types of sleeping pills can leave you with daytime sleepiness, memory loss and poor concentration. Traditional types of sleeping pills can also cause dependency and withdrawal issues, and leave you feeling ‘groggy’ or less alert after using them, increasing the likelihood of having a fall or an accident.
FAQs
Circadin has a specific, prolonged release formulation which means the melatonin is slowly released over the course of 8 to 10 hours and mimics the body’s natural pattern of melatonin release.1
Circadin is a pharmaceutical grade melatonin product – which means it has been carefully assessed for quality, efficacy and consistency, and has been approved for use in Australia.
The sleep promoting effect of Circadin will take place from 1 to 2 hours after taking a tablet.
For the best effect, take Circadin as directed. (Circadin should be used regularly at the same time each day, after food and 1 to 2 hours before you go to bed). To approach your sleep issues holistically, we recommend you also follow good sleep hygiene practices.
Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
The active ingredient in Circadin is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by our bodies that regulates our sleep patterns and helps us fall asleep.
In contrast to traditional sleeping pills, melatonin has little potential for dependence. It is not associated with habituation.2
You are unlikely to become dependent on melatonin and there are no known withdrawal problems when you stop taking it.2
Circadin prolonged release formulation mimics the body’s natural melatonin levels, peaking at night and gradually falling towards morning, whilst respecting your natural sleep cycles throughout the night.
This allows you to wake up naturally, alert and without the hangover effect some people feel with traditional sleeping pills.
Circadin rarely causes drowsiness, nevertheless it is not recommended to drive or operate machinery for 8 hours after you take it.
Circadin does not impair morning alertness, but if you suffer from drowsiness during the day, you should consult your doctor.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about melatonin and its potential side-effects.
What is Circadin used for?
CIRCADIN has been clinically proven¥† to improve sleep quality, morning alertness and daytime functioning, and to decrease the time it takes to fall asleep.
†compared to placebo in adults aged 55 and over
Sleep problems
Everyone struggles with sleep occasionally, but if it keeps happening then seeking advice is the healthy thing to do.
¥Wade AG, et al. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007; 23(10):2597-2605; supported by Neurim.
References
- Masters A, et al. Brain Disord Ther. 2014;4(1):1000151.
- Arendt J. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019;10:391.
- CIRCADIN® Product Information. Last amended 11 November 2020.
- Wade AG, et al. Curr Med Res Opin. 2007;23(10):2597-2605. Funded by Neurim Pharmaceuticals, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Zisapel N. Open Neuroendocrinology J. 2010;3:85-95.
- Zhdanova IV, Lynch HJ, Wurtman RJ. Sleep. 1997;20(10):899-907.
- Zisapel N. Drug Dev Res. 2000;50:226-234. Funded by Neurim Pharmaceuticals, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- CIRCADIN® Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
- Zisapel N. British Journ. of Pharmacology (2018) 175 3190–3199. Sponsored by Neurim Pharmaceuticals, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Schutte-Rodin S, et al. J Clin Sleep Med. 2008;4(5):487-504.
- Mishima K, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(1):129-34.
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