Most individuals are familiar with the hormone of Melatonin and the manner that it is readily available to anyone for purchase. Melatonin is often found in pill or gummy vitamin form and is directly used as a sleep aid, however, provides relatively no other benefits. It is also known to be a vitamin that your body adjusts to in a quick manner-- thus essentially losing its potency and purpose of helping individuals fall asleep efficiently.
As someone who was an avid melatonin user, I quickly noticed its loss of ability to help me fall asleep and actually noticed an increase of insomniac tendencies and more frequent nightmares.
In Vitaterna et al.’s research article, “A Prebiotic Diet Alters the Fecal Microbiome and Improves Sleep in Response to Sleep Disruption in Rats”, researchers were able to study the fecal microbiome in rat species and found that administering two forms of prebiotics resulted in improved sleeping patterns (Increase in REM sleep). The article that I found, entitled “What Is Ashwagandha and Will It Improve Your Sleep? (Yes, Among Other Health Benefits)”, puts the spotlight on the Ayurvedic herb Ashwagandha and its various benefits. While taking melatonin has effects that are almost immediate, ashwagandha has to be taken over an extended period of time in order to feel its full effects.
This article and its contents relate to Vitaterna’s research pertaining to the administration of prebiotics into the body of rats. Despite the fact that the endocrine system of humans is vastly different to the endocrine system of rats, it’s important to understand that prebiotics have a positive influence on the sleep cycle of species.
Jamerson, Anna. “Ashwagandha May Drastically Improve Your Sleep and More.” Woman's World, 12 Oct. 2022, https://www.womansworld.com/posts/health/ashwagandha-benefits/amp.
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