When it comes to sleep, melatonin is often hailed as a quick and natural fix. A short stroll through any supplement aisle reveals countless melatonin products promising to help you drift off effortlessly. But is melatonin really the magic bullet it’s made out to be? And appropriate for use at high altitude?
As we crafted ALTISNOOZE we chose to exclude melatonin—and we didn’t make that decision lightly. The science behind melatonin raises important questions, including concerns shared by Dr. Matthew Walker, renowned neuroscientist and author of Why We Sleep. On a recent Tim Ferris podcast episode, Walker shed light on potential issues with melatonin that might make you think twice before reaching for that bottle.
The Role of Melatonin in the Body
To understand why melatonin might not be ideal for everyone, it helps to know what it does. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain’s pineal gland in response to darkness. It’s a signaling molecule, telling your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. However, melatonin isn’t responsible for maintaining sleep throughout the night—it’s more of a starter pistol than a sustaining engine.
When we supplement with melatonin, we’re essentially hacking this natural signaling system. But just because it’s widely available doesn’t mean it’s without potential drawbacks.
Walker’s Warning: The Risks of Melatonin Supplementation
In the podcast, Walker shares two key concerns about melatonin, supported by scientific studies:
1. Memory Impairment
Walker points to evidence that melatonin can affect memory formation. This is particularly concerning for anyone who relies on sharp cognitive performance, whether in work, academics, or daily life. Sleep is vital for memory consolidation, but adding melatonin into the mix may muddy this process, resulting in unintended consequences.
2. Impact on Adolescent Development
Walker also cites research on adolescent rats indicating melatonin supplementation may interfere with normal hormonal and neurological development. While human studies are still limited, the parallels raise important questions about how melatonin might affect young, developing brains. Adolescence is a critical period for growth and maturation, and introducing synthetic melatonin could potentially disrupt this delicate balance.
Melatonin Tolerance and Dosing Challenges
Another issue with melatonin is the potential for overuse and tolerance. Many melatonin supplements contain dosages far exceeding what the body naturally produces—sometimes by a factor of 10 or more. This “more is better” approach can desensitize your brain’s melatonin receptors, making the hormone less effective over time.
Moreover, because melatonin works on a circadian rhythm, the timing of supplementation is critical. Take it too early or too late, and you may throw your sleep cycle even further out of alignment.
Melatonin – Not the Best Tool for the Job at Elevation
At high altitudes, sleep disturbances are primarily caused by reduced oxygen levels, leading to hypoxia-related sleep disruptions. Melatonin does nothing to address the core issue of low oxygen availability at elevation. In contrast, ALTISNOOZE is formulated to enhance oxygenation, directly targeting the root cause of sleep disruptions at altitude, thereby promoting more restful sleep in such environments. Beyond its melatonin-free sleep support, ALTISNOOZE is formulated with potent herbs, vital nutrients, and electrolytes, making it a 360-degree aid to help accelerate acclimation, combat other altitude symptoms like headache, fatigue, and nausea, and improve hydration and recovery.
Why We Skip the Melatonin Shortcut
At ALTISNOOZE, we believe in supporting your body’s natural ability to achieve restful, restorative sleep—without overriding its delicate hormonal systems. Our formula is designed to address the root causes of sleep difficulties, including oxygenation, stress, and nutritional imbalances.
By using ingredients like holy basil, reishi mushrooms, and magnesium, we help your body relax and recover in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
Many who’ve used melatonin report lingering drowsiness, something ALTISNOOZE’s formula avoids with a balanced formula that does not overly sedate.
Is Melatonin Ever Useful?
Melatonin can be helpful in certain situations, such as resetting your circadian rhythm after jet lag. However, even Walker emphasizes that it’s not a universal solution. For most people, creating healthy sleep habits and addressing underlying issues like stress or poor sleep hygiene will have a far greater impact on long-term sleep quality.
Ready to Experience Better Sleep at Altitude?
Melatonin may seem like a quick fix, but it’s not without potential drawbacks or limitations.
Between concerns tied to development and memory, user complaints about lingering drowsiness, and the basic fact that melatonin doesn’t target the underlying cause of sleepless at high altitude – low oxygen -- we encourage you to consider ALTISNOOZE. We developed it to be a more appropriate, optimized solution to help you sleep and perform better at high altitude.