Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
2024 is a significant year for love, and with the month of love here, this energy is even more prominent now. As you take a look at your love life, notice where life has come full circle for you and where the community, closeness, and abundance surround you. Things may look differently than expected around this time of year, but where do they look better? Emotionally, there has been a lot to process over the past few years, and there is something about taking more time out for the joy and happiness in your partnerships and love life today.
Whether you are single or in a relationship, love starts from within you and can lead you to places fear won’t go.
It’s all about trusting your intuition and what your emotional world is telling you right now. This is one of the best years for couples getting married, as this is an 8-year in numerology, which means it’s a year of abundance, balance, and commitment for many. The energy flowing through the world is reminding us that love takes courage and dedicating yourself to the things you love is rewarding. February, in numerology specifically, is defined by the number 2, which represents partnership, emotional clarity, intuition, forgiveness, and grace.
Overall, this is a time to put more focus on the love in your life and where you want to see things grow. What you commit yourself to right now is just as significant as what you are letting go of, and it’s about finding the balance here.
Read below for a message for singles and those in a relationship, for guidance in love right now. Read for your sun and moon sign.
February 2024 Love Horoscopes, Based On Your Sun & Moon Sign
February 2024 Aries Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
You have been through a lot, and you need time to grasp and process your emotions. Love for you as of late has been a learning lesson, but one you have needed before you move into your new journey of love. Changes have happened abruptly, and this is divine intervention pushing you in a different direction. Your guidance at this time is to let go of the insecurities and the challenges you have been playing on repeat in your head. Things are going to get better for you and your heart, and it’s time to see your future in a more hopeful light, Aries.
Couples Horoscope:
Dreams are fulfilled, and the wishes you have made are falling into your lap, Aries. This is a fortunate time for you and your partner, and one where you have plenty of love to give, and space to receive it in return. You are headed toward even more emotionally fulfilling spaces romantically as well, and it’s only going to continue to get better for you from here. Love for you right now is about expecting the unexpected and allowing the universe to surprise you with something magical. The more you shine in your truth, the more you allow love to meet you halfway.
February 2024 Taurus Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
Some important decisions may need to be made soon, Taurus. You have been having fun, exploring your options, and balancing what you need with what you want, and it’s time to refocus your energy. Your love life has felt a little scattered recently, and it’s because you are playing with too many fires. It’s time to decide on what’s more important to you and to prioritize your energy and your heart. The spark won’t go out once you commit to something; it will only deepen and strengthen for you. Remember that right now and get a little more downtime to process everything.
Couples Horoscope:
Be patient with what is blooming for you in your relationship, and nurture your worlds, Taurus. You are birthing something new in your life, and these things take time. What you have been preparing for and setting your intentions for in this relationship will see fruition, and now is the time to keep your heart in the present moment while it happens. There is beauty in where things are today, and it’s okay to ask for more of what you need when you feel your intentions aren’t being received. Seek gratitude, speak of love, and allow things to fall into place.
February 2024 Gemini Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
Things are coming together for you in ways you may not be expecting right now, Gemini. Someone from your past may be coming into your life soon, and this is going to be a pleasant and rewarding surprise for you. You have learned a lot and grown even more, and you are not the same person you were back then- yet this may be even more reason why someone falls in love with you again. Past, present, and future are intertwined, and your heart is taking in the joy of what is coming to the surface for you right now.
Couples Horoscope:
This is a new beginning in your relationship and one that is going to be setting the tone for things financially in the future here, Gemini. You have been focused on setting goals together and building your dreams, and you are on the right path right now. Continue to put things into perspective when it comes to your financial dreams and ambitions, and make sure you are both on the same page. Being honest with yourself and another about what abundance looks like to you and where things are currently can help you build on more solid ground for the longevity of the relationship.
February 2024 Cancer Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
You have everything you need right beside you, Cancer. You are emotionally in a place in your life where you are single, yet there is still a lot of support, love, and community surrounding you. Emotionally, you are in a space that most people are in when they feel like their dreams have been fulfilled, and that is saying a lot. You have been working on healing your inner child, finding your inner joy, and focusing more on the blessings in your life- and it has worked. Love is fueling your life and your world, and you are in a good space for something magical to happen here.
Couples Horoscope:
Trust your intuition right now, Cancer. You have been getting glimpses into your future, and your strong intuition should be more cherished. You know what needs to be done and where you need to put more of the energy, passion, and focus into your relationships, and now is the time to do so. You are someone who intuitively knows what others need, and this is a gift that is brought into your relationships with others. Own your power of divine insight, and go where your emotions are leading you to. Spice things up, protect your relationship, and trust yourself right now.
February 2024 Leo Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
Things are going to start picking up for you again soon in love, Leo. You have been in a place of stagnation emotionally, and life has required more patience out of you than you may have wanted to give. Yet, you are now moving into a space where things are going to start getting interesting for you in love. You are still very focused on your individuality and doing things alone and your way- yet you are willing to allow someone to run wild with you. Love is getting exciting and you can expect a fresh start here as the intentions you have been setting begin to manifest.
Couples Horoscope:
You are not as stuck as you currently may believe so, Leo. There is something that has been mentally holding you back from feeling secure and safe in your current relationship, and this is something to look at right now. Ask yourself if you are being restricted or protected, and where these limitations have been stemming from in your relationship. More trust and honest vulnerability may be needed to grow closer to one another, and you shouldn’t have to fight these internal battles alone. Talk to your partner about how you have been feeling, and if change doesn’t occur, believe in yourself enough to walk away.
February 2024 Virgo Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
A gift is in store for you in love, Virgo, and you are exactly where you should be. You are being seen as the worthy, valuable, abundant, and loving soul that you are, and you are a hot commodity right now. Choose who you entertain and allow into your life wisely, but know that you are someone’s first choice. You have worked hard to get to the place you are at right now in life, and allowing someone to enter your life will not change that. Know that you are protected as you live your life and open up to love and that abundance wants to come in for you right now.
Couples Horoscope:
It’s all about commitment for you right now, and you are seeing the blessings of what you have dedicated yourself to, Virgo. Your love life is thriving with intent and purpose, and many Virgos may be seeing proposals or marriages occur soon. This is a time in your life when your values, intentions, and wisdom of the heart are being recognized, and your relationship is evolving to new heights. You are feeling joy with where things are headed for you right now, and there is a nice synergy in love. You and your partner are on the same page, and you are both growing together.
February 2024 Libra Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
This is an eye-opening time for you, Libra. You have learned a lot about love as of late, and need some more time to emotionally process it all. There has been an awakening in your life, and you are changing the direction in which you are headed. This time is about self-reflection, learning the lessons, and defining what you want and what you will not settle for in the future. Something massive has changed within you, and there is no more looking back on the what-ifs of the past. Know that the clarity you have found is here to stay, and your time of healing will soon turn into a blessing in disguise.
Couples Horoscope:
Your guidance for love at this time is to bring more trust and understanding into your relationship, Libra. Holding on too tightly to anything makes it more likely to fall from your grasp, and it’s time to be more confident in yourself and what you stand for in love. If you allow your insecurities to deter the decisions you make in your relationships, then you may find yourself making more mistakes than positive changes. Allow yourself to let go of what cannot be changed, give yourself more love, and be more confident and self-assured in your current partnership. You are worthy of love, Libra, and you always have been.
February 2024 Scorpio Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
It’s time to put the feelers out there, communicate, and open the door to what or who has caught your attention in love, Scorpio. This is a time of communicating yourself and expressing what your heart wants to say. A lightbulb has gone off in your life, and you are seeing your emotional world a little more clearly. You have learned a lot when it comes to love and your relationships, and you will not make the same mistakes you once did. Let go of the old stories you have told yourself about love, and create new ones for yourself today that resonate more with what you want now.
Couples Horoscope:
It’s about putting the work and dedication into your relationship right now, Scorpio. Some more time, intent, and focus may need to be put toward your loved one, and it’s time to show up. Life has felt a little more scattered and heavy than usual as of late, but you don’t have to sort through it all out alone. Open up to your partner about what has been taking your time or keeping you away, and choose to build a bridge to more connection and honesty in your relationship. You are in a space of building or rebuilding your relationship from the ground up, and your hard work will bring in more blessings here.
February 2024 Sagittarius Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
Get excited about where love is headed for you right now, Sagittarius. This is a time of hope, inspiration, and adventure, and love is taking you on a new journey. You have been putting the feelers out there, setting your intentions, and envisioning your dream relationship- and this energy wants to come forth for you now. Go to places you have never been, connect with new people, travel, and get out into the world. Love is requiring you to do things differently than you have before, and by switching the energy up, you allow new love to enter your world.
Couples Horoscope:
Patience, patience, patience, Sagittarius. Your relationship needs more trust on your part and more raw vulnerability at that. A side of you that you may not truly resonate with has been coming to the surface in your relationship, causing more harm than good. You love so fiercely that you can sometimes get caught up in things going the way you want them to rather than the way they should. This is the time to focus on what is going to be healthy for you and your partner and to give each other the space needed to grow and thrive. Let go of fears and remember your heart, Sag.
February 2024 Capricorn Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
Things are heating up for you in love, and passions are running high, Capricorn. This is a sexy time for single Capricorns and one when you are feeling excited about the new chapter you are embarking on here. Ask yourself what you want most from love right now, and have the courage to let it in. You are beautiful in every way, but especially when you are being yourself, and your light is being acknowledged by another right now. You are understanding yourself better with the time alone that you have gained, and things are looking up for you. Get creative with romance, and follow the passion of your heart.
Couples Horoscope:
Choose your battles wisely, Capricorn. Often, conflict is a direct manifestation of unsettled energy, and you may need to look at where the challenges in your relationships are stemming from internally as well as externally. If you can’t meet in the middle and understand each other, how can you move on from this? You may need to reinforce some new boundaries in your current relationship so that you are both on the same page and headed in the same direction. Give yourself time to think things through, and don’t force things right now. True love will always shine through the chaos.
February 2024 Aquarius Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
Don’t lose hope, Aquarius, your life is still blooming regardless of who is in it. Your guidance for your love life at this time is to focus on your perspective of it all. Are you seeing love and romance in a positive light or with a tang of dread about opening up to someone new? There is a lot you are still growing through when it comes to your emotions, but that doesn’t mean you have to do so alone. You can still grow and renew while in partnership, and a helping hand may be closer than you think. Open your mind to the possibilities of love, and then trust that you have what it takes to receive it.
Couples Horoscope:
Something refreshing is happening in your relationship right now, and it’s time to get excited about where things are heading, Aquarius. An offer to go deeper, to love stronger, and to do things closer together is presenting itself to you now, and you can trust where love is taking you. Open your heart to the wonders of a new day, and don’t let the seriousness of your relationships weigh down all the fun and excitement of it. Do something romantic, make a wish, and bring forth the dreams and new beginnings you want to see here. It’s one thing to feel love for someone, it’s another to show it.
February 2024 Pisces Love Reading:
Getty/Katie Czerwinski via Cosmopolitan
Singles Horoscope:
You have walked away from what no longer serves your heart, and you are moving into a brighter day, Pisces. There has been loss, and there has been a challenge, but your fire has not gone out. You are someone who loves because that is what is within you, and you are not someone who lets the pain of the past define your future. You have walked away from emotional burdens that were keeping you stuck where you shouldn’t be, and you are now making space for new love to enter. Being alone can be a beautiful experience, and this time in your life is about you and no one else, Pisces. Self-love is the game changer.
Couples Horoscope:
Happiness is fueling your world right now, Pisces. This is a beautiful time of harmony in your relationship, and the outcomes you were hoping for are coming true for you now. There is a good balance between yourself and your relationship, and you have been giving equal areas of your lifetime and dedication. You are feeling fulfilled with where love is taking you and how things are coming to fruition for you right now, and there is so much to be grateful for. Continue to bask in the light that is shining down upon you, share the love that is within your heart, and have a positive perspective on your current relationship.
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A big part of the clarity that is coming through this month is due to Neptune going direct in Pisces on December 10, after being retrograde here since July. With Neptune now direct, we are able to see our inspiration and creativity a little more clearly, providing the perfect energy for dreams and manifestation to be built upon. The smoke is clearing, and it’s up to you to decide what you want to do with this newfound clarity that this transit is bringing. Mercury also moves back into Sagittarius on December 11, which is great for communication and clarity, and the adventures you were trying to see through at the beginning of November come around for you again with greater purpose and support.
On December 15, Mars enters Capricorn until the end of January 2026, and this is the extra push we need to make important changes and to be on the path towards greater abundance, stability, and prosperity. Mars in Capricorn takes care of business, and we have extra energy at our disposal during this time to do so. This transit is an ideal time to focus on your career or financial goals for next year and to start putting some of these plans into motion now. A few days later, we have the New Moon of the month, which will be in Sagittarius on December 19, and this is the perfect New Moon to manifest.
The energy is high, magic is in the air, and it’s all about moving forward with the new beginnings that are inspiring you and bringing you joy to think about right now.
Capricorn Season officially begins on December 21, and this earth sign energy is how we heal, gain closure, and build new foundations in our world. With Venus also moving into a Capricorn a few days later, there is something about peace, prosperity, and security that we are gaining in life and in love as we close out the year, and this is what we need right now. This month is about reflecting on what was, letting go of old hurt, and renewing. December is an ending and a new beginning in one, and there is magic in this space to be created.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what December 2025 has in store for you.
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleARIES
December is a full-circle moment for you, Aries. You are seeing the gifts in your world and have a lot of gratitude for the way things have come about for you as of late. There are culminations in your world that are providing you with more abundance, stability, and community, and you are exactly where you are meant to be this month. With the Sun in a fellow fire sign and in your 9th house of travel for most of the month, December is a good time to get out of your comfort zone, explore the world around you, and get your body moving.
Mars, your ruling planet, also makes a change and moves into Capricorn on December 15, which will fuel your inspiration and power in your career space. You are making a lot of professional progress as we close out the year; however, make sure to be more mindful of your competitive drive right now. The New Moon on December 19 is the perfect opportunity for you to create some new plans and goals when it comes to traveling, education, and where you want to gain some new inspiration in your world. Overall, this is a month of things coming together for you serendipitously.
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleTAURUS
December is about trusting your intuition, Taurus. You have a lot on your mind this month, and it’s best to delegate, communicate, and allow yourself some relief by opening up to someone and not feeling like you have to hold everything in. As we begin the month, we have a Supermoon in Gemini happening in your house of income, and the plans and projects you have been building here come to fruition for you now. This is the time to gain clarity on your financial world and to take a look at what spending habits you want to let go of here as well.
With Venus in your 8th house of shared resources for most of the month, you are doing a cleanse on your commitments, partnerships, and business ventures. You are taking a look at what you want to dedicate yourself to in the future, and what commitments you may need to let go of now in order to be in the space you truly want to be, both financially and within some of your relationship dynamics. Before we end the month, we have a New Moon in this same area of your chart, and it’s time to look at the opportunities that are presenting themselves and to trust your internal guidance system to lead you forward.
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleGEMINI
You are moving forward fearlessly this month, Gemini. December is your month of love, passion, and dignity, and you are owning the light that you shine. We begin the month with the last Supermoon of the year, happening in your sign, and you are stepping up to the plate. You are showing up, owning how much you have grown this year, and allowing yourself to heal while also acknowledging that you have done your best and you deserve to have fun in the midst of the changes you are creating.
Mercury, your ruling planet, is officially out of retrograde, and you can use this energy to the fullest potential now. With Mercury in your 7th house of love, it’s time to speak from the heart and to talk about the things that matter and that are inspiring you right now to your loved ones. You never know what kind of epiphanies you may have when you open up the conversation to others. Before the month ends, you have a New Moon in this same love area of your chart, and this New Moon is all about manifesting romance, commitment, and abundance in your world.
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleCANCER
December is an opening for more love, more joy, and more freedom in your life, Cancer. You have come to a place where you hold so much gratitude in your heart for where you are today and where your heart is shining, and things come together for you with more ease right now. With the Sun in your 6th house of health, work, and daily routines for most of the month, you are getting your ducks in a row while also putting more energy and effort into taking care of yourself, your priorities, and your well-being. This month surprises you in many ways, and it’s because you are showing up.
Mars and Venus both move into your house of love, relationships, marriage, and abundance this month, and you are making strides in your love life. You have both of these opposing forces on your side and are being recognized for the love you are while also receiving the love you want. This month, overall, is about focusing more on the positives in your world and letting your heart have its joy. Before December comes to an end, there is a New Moon in Sagittarius, and this is the perfect opportunity to create the plans you want to see through next year, especially when it comes to your work life, colleagues, business ventures, and health.
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleLEO
The scales of karma are balancing, and they are balancing in your favor this month, Leo. December is your month of truth, and of seeing it clearly in your world. The Sun is in your house of romance, pleasure, and happiness for most of the month, and it’s time to relax, be in the present moment, and allow what is meant to be, to be. With a Supermoon in your 11th house of manifestation as December begins, this is a powerful month for seeing your dreams come to fruition, and for feeling like the intentions you have set this year are finally here for you now.
Mars also moves into your 6th house mid-month, and this is the perfect energy to have to move into the new year. You have extra energy at your disposal right now and are feeling fearless with what is possible for you and your daily routine. Before the month ends, we also have a New Moon in a fellow fire sign, Sagittarius, and this is a breakthrough moment for you and your heart. December, overall, wants to show you how loved and supported you are and will be doing so in magical, unexpected, and concrete ways.
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleVIRGO
December is a month of victory, Virgo. You are showing up and experiencing some new successes in your world that move you forward on your path in life. With a Supermoon in your 10th house of career as we begin the month, the effort and intentions you have made this year come into full bloom, and you are being recognized for who you are and the good work you have done. This month is all about showing up and allowing yourself to be seen and loved, knowing that you deserve the support and opportunities you are receiving.
Mars moves into Capricorn on December 15, which brings the passion and excitement into your love life, hobbies, and little pleasures in life that light you up. You want to have fun this month and are going to be walking into the new year with this fearless, happy, and spontaneous energy within you. Before the month ends, Venus also enters Capricorn, and in this same area of your chart, you have a lot to look forward to and believe in right now. Overall, December wants you to be happy and will be doing everything possible to make that happen for you. This is your month to shine, Virgo.
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleLIBRA
December is a month of opportunity for you, Libra. New doors open, and you are financially making breakthroughs this month because of it. December begins with a Supermoon in your 9th house, and you are getting a clearer view of where you have been making strides in your life and how it has all brought you here to this present moment of freedom. This month is showing you what happens when you are fearless with your purpose and when you believe in yourself and what you are worthy of.
Moving further into December, Mars moves into your 4th house of home and family mid-month, and you are closing out the year in your safe spaces. You are spending more time with your loved ones and taking the time to quiet your mind and listen to what your heart has been telling you. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Sagittarius, happening in an area of your life that deals with communication. This is a great time for getting the answers you have been looking for and for feeling more clear-headed and confident about the decisions you are making as you move into the new year.
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleSCORPIO
Patience is a virtue this month, Scorpio. December is all about remaining patient and vigilant with what you are creating in your world, and knowing that the universe has your back. It’s time to be reminded of the power of hope, and this month is an opening to greater clarity in your life. There is a lot of energy in your financial zones right now, and this is providing you with new opportunities and new insight; however, the speed at which things come about for you may feel daunting. Keep your head up and eyes focused on what you want and know that you are more than worthy of receiving it.
With Mercury in your 2nd house of income this month, December is a good time to plant new seeds and to think about where you want to be financially a month from now or even a year. This month is asking you to think bigger and to think more long-term so that you can set the appropriate plans into motion now. We also have a New Moon in your house of income before the month ends, and this is when you will see more of your dreams come to fruition in this area of your life, and have more opportunities to build. Overall, December will be teaching you a lot, Scorpio.
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleSAGITTARIUS
Sagittarius Season is here, and there is a lot in store for you this month, Sag. December is all about what you are dedicating yourself to. It’s about setting your intentions and putting the work in to back up your dreams, and about getting things in order so that when the new beginnings come, you are ready for them. The Sun and Venus are in your sign for most of this month, and there are a lot of eyes on you right now. You have the potential to create a new beginning for yourself, and it’s time to invest in yourself, your love life, and your dreams.
Mercury moves into Sagittarius on December 11, and this is giving you another opportunity to see through some of the plans that you had initiated in November. Mercury was retrograde in your sign last month, and there may have been some disruptions to your vision and plans for the future, and now this energy is turning around for you. Before the month ends, we also have a New Moon in Sagittarius, and you are walking through new doors fearlessly. You are catching others by surprise by your growth this month, and you are thinking a lot about your purpose, future, and plans for the new year.
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleCAPRICORN
December is all about the vision, Capricorn. You are moving through a lot of changes and transformations this month, yet they are giving you a chance at a new beginning in the process. You are focused more on the future and what goals you want to manifest for yourself right now, and are ready to let go of what hasn’t been working for you. With the Sun in your 12th house of closure for most of December, this is your time for healing, but remember, healing doesn’t have to be isolating or boring; you can thrive while you renew, and you are this month.
Mid-month, the excitement picks up for you, and you are feeling more energized than you have in a while. Mars moves into Capricorn until the end of January 2026, and you are being proactive with your goals, intentions, and passions. You are a force to be reckoned with this month, and you are making things happen for yourself with confidence. Capricorn Season officially begins on December 21 this year, and this is definitely speeding up your healing process. You are breaking free from what was, and with Venus also moving into Capricorn before the month ends, you are leaving this year in high spirits and with love opening a new door for you.
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleAQUARIUS
December is all about community, creativity, and manifestation, Aquarius. This is the month to work together with others to help bring your dreams to life. You are in a space of inspiration, empowerment, and beauty, and are creating more of this energy around you and in your world. Look out for what support comes your way this month and know that you don’t have to do everything alone to succeed. With the Sun in your 11th house of manifestation and friendship, your intentions are coming to fruition, and it’s time to celebrate with the people you love and to own how far you have come this year.
On December 19, we have a New Moon in Sagittarius, lighting up your life in all of the best ways possible. This is your New Moon of freedom, victory, and magic, and you are seeing new beginnings appear that you were once just hoping for. Before the month comes to an end, Venus moves into your 12th house of closure, and after an active and successful month, you are ready to relax, heal, and give your heart some of the attention it has been asking for. You are moving into the new year with the need to release and renew what hasn’t been working in your relationships, and you are finally ready to.
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecolePISCES
December is a big month for you, Pisces. You are making some huge accomplishments this month, and are feeling like everything you have been through this year has been worth it for these moments that are coming to fruition for you now. The Sun is in your 10th house of career and reputation for most of the month, and this is where a lot of your focus is right now. You are claiming your successes and putting yourself out there in ways that not only serve you, but that inspire others as well.
Neptune officially goes direct on December 10, after being retrograde in your sign since July, and you are finally seeing things a little more clearly. You are feeling renewed inspiration and passion in your life, and your intuition is your strongest asset right now. Before December comes to an end, we also have a New Moon in your 10th house of career, and what happens now not only changes things for you in the present, but it also opens new doors and what is possible for you in the new year as well. Overall, you are on top of your game this month and are owning the joy and empowerment you feel.
Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
You see the title of this piece. Unfortunately, it is not an exaggeration. If you give me a moment, I will try to explain what is going on and how you should move, going forward, if melatonin is something that you have been relying on in order to get a good night’s rest.
What Is Melatonin?
GiphyOkay, so what exactly is melatonin? It’s actually a hormone in your system that your body produces in order to regulate your circadian rhythm/sleep cycle. Since melatonin tends to kick in 1-3 hours before you turn in at night, that is actually why “losing an hour” (of sunlight) during this time of the year (check out “Is The Drama Of The One-Hour Time Change All In Your Head?”) can throw off your sleep patterns a bit.
If your body doesn’t seem to have enough melatonin naturally, you might find yourself taking a melatonin supplement in order to increase your melatonin levels, although it should go on record that melatonin is also used to treat seasonal depression; a form of reflux disease (GERD); migraines and headaches; fibromyalgia, and even certain types of anxiety. Melatonin also has a reputation for helping to regulate menstrual cycles and slow down the aging of skin and hair. Something else to keep in mind? When melatonin is in supplement form, oftentimes, it is synthetic, which means that it is made in a lab.
Okay, so clearly, melatonin is needed and, as a supplement, it has its benefits.
Then there is the other side of the story. One that just recently came out.
Why Is the Supplement Currently a Cause for Alarm?
GiphyGeeze. There really is no telling how many times I have shared one of my all-time favorite quotes in my content here: “The excess of a virtue is a vice.” Aristotle is the author and it is so very true — including when it comes to melatonin usage. Because here’s the deal: If you are relying on a melatonin supplement to get some sleep, it’s important to note that most health experts say that you shouldn’t take it for more than 1-2 months, tops.
One reason is because melatonin shouldn’t be a “solution” to your sleep problems, so if you can’t get rest without it after several weeks, it really is time to see your doctor. Another reason is because melatonin supplements do have some potential side effects including nausea, vomiting, irritability, restlessness and disorientation. And then there is what has recently come out about it: the possibility of heart failure and even death.
Wild, right? Here’s the deal about that. Did you know that, according to the American Medical Association, the FDA doesn’t regulate most supplements? So, in the case of melatonin, specifically, while one brand might contain a certain amount of it, another may have a ton more. And when someone uses melatonin, consistently, for 12 months or more, they put themselves at a whopping 90 percent increase of heart failure over those who don’t take the supplement at all (the same goes for individuals who have two melatonin prescriptions filled within 90 days of each other vs. those who don’t). Something else to keep in mind? People (involved in the study) who took melatonin were 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure than those who don’t use the supplement too.
Since this is relatively new research, experts are trying to get to the root of why all of this is the case; however, one cardiologist did say that sometimes insomnia itself is the result of an underlying health issue; sometimes one that has to do with one’s heart. So, taking melatonin might further mask a health problem that needs to be immediately addressed. Sleep apnea is one that he mentioned.
These are pretty alarming results, no doubt. Now does this mean that you should avoid melatonin like the plague altogether? Eh. It’s more like you shouldn’t be using it for more than a couple of months. You should talk to your doctor if you are “treating” your sleep issues with it. And it’s always best to find more natural approaches to getting things that you need into your body. When it comes to melatonin, specifically, I’ve got a few ideas.
Other Ways to Get More Melatonin into Your System
GiphyOkay, so what are some other approaches to getting melatonin into your body?
Eat foods that are high in melatonin. Some of them include almonds, fish, milk (which is why a cup of warm milk tends to help), mushrooms, grapes, pineapples and eggs.
Stay in the light as much as possible during the daytime. Something that I like is for it to be rainy, dark and cold (whatever haters — LOL). That’s why I had to adjust the twinkle lights in my living room during the daytime because your natural melatonin levels react to darkness. So, if you’re in the dark all day, that can have your levels all over the place come nightfall.
Make sure that your room is hella dark. Remember what I just said about darkness? Well, even dim light can suppress your melatonin levels. This includes your phone’s screen, okay? So, when it’s time to go to sleep — the darker your room is, the absolute better.
Go easy on the java. It doesn’t really make sense to drink coffee at night since it’s a stimulant; however, even if it’s your jam throughout the day, 1-3 cups should be your limit and definitely earlier in the daytime. The reason? Some studies reveal that caffeine has a way of lowering your natural melatonin levels.
Have more sex. I don’t know too many people who don’t have a GREAT night’s sleep after sex. One reason why is because certain hormones within the body increase during the act; one of them is — yep, you guessed it — melatonin.
5 Other All-Natural Sleep Supplements to Consider
GiphySo, now that we’ve unpacked the current issue with melatonin supplements, if you’re wondering if there are any other sleep-based alternatives for you to consider, the answer is “yes” and here are a few of ‘em.
1. Magnesium. Something that I am forever going to be a fan of is the combination of magnesium, calcium and zinc. All work together really well to calm your nerves, so that you can sleep more soundly. When it comes to magnesium, specifically, it helps to regulate your natural melatonin levels while also relaxing your muscles, so that the quality of your sleep improves.
2. Vitamin D. Vitamin D makes the list because there are studies which say that vitamin D deficiencies are linked to certain sleep disorders. This makes sense when you factor in that vitamin D helps to create natural melatonin, it helps to keep your circadian rhythm where it needs to be and it also reduces bodily inflammation (which can also affect sleep patterns).
3. CBD Oil. Although the FDA doesn’t (currently) consider CBD oil to be a supplement, it tends to be marketed as one which is why it also made the list. Since cannabidiol (CBD) is widely used for to bring relief to pain and anxiety, that is why many enjoy using it as a sleep agent as well.
4. Roman and German Chamomile. Did you know that there are different forms of chamomile? Well, the ones that help with sleep (most) are Roman and German. That’s because both contain a flavonoid called apigenin that has a sedative effect to it. When it comes to this suggestion, individuals oftentimes prefer it in tea form.
5. Glycine. If you’ve never heard of glycine before, it’s an amino acid. When it comes to sleeping, a lot of people like it because it’s been proven to help you fall asleep faster, it soothes your muscles and joints and it also helps you to stay asleep once you fall asleep.
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I know that reading something like this can potentially freak you out. Again, if you’re not downing melatonin like candy and you’re not on it for months and months at a time, you should be fine. If you are on edge, hit up your doctor; they will be happy to explain things further and deeper, I’m sure.
In the meantime, if melatonin is your thing — moderation, please.
After all, the supplement was supposed to be a temporary “fix.” Never a permanent cure.
Which is really what the study is reminding us of.
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