Brief Overview of Melatonin

Most of us from time to time have had difficulty with sleep patterns. Whether stress related, jet-lag, hormone imbalance, or other related health issues, we have all encountered this annoying problem from time to time. Sadly, most of us do not realize how important sleep is for our over-all well-being. It is up there with the importance of diet and exercise—it is not to be taken lightly. It helps us function normally and appears to be necessary for survival. However, no need to worry—Melatonin has come to the rescue! This popular natural hormone helps regulate sleep and also appears to influence other hormones in the body.

Our bodies all contain this naturally occurring hormone Melatonin, which is the size of a pea and made up by part of the “pineal gland” which is located in the center of the brain. Its function is to help control the body’s natural sleep cycle, but because of some disturbances, this does not always occur. It is known that as we age, like every other part of our body, the gland starts wearing out, which may promote sleep disturbances. Also stress is a huge contributing factor, as well as other health issues. When this happens, know that there is an alternative. Melatonin supplements (in pill form) come to the rescue. Not to be confusing, there are two types of melatonin that may be used in these pills: natural and synthetic (man-made). The synthetic form seems to be the recommended choice, because the natural form is made from the pineal gland of animals, and may contain viruses, although this is rare.

Conducted Studies on Melatonin

Nobel Prize Laureate Julius Axelrod did a study where it was proven that Melatonin plays a direct role in establishing our sleep cycle and much more.

Other unrelated studies conducted indicated that Melatonin also plays a significant role in memory, cognitive abilities and our ability to learn more rapidly. This makes sense to me, because, if we do not get enough sleep our body breaks down, thus affecting our functioning in every capacity.

There have been a number of well-designed studies and case reports on the use of Melatonin in children with neuro-psychiatric disorders that result in sleep difficulties, such as autism, psychiatric disorders, visual impairment, or epilepsy. The studies conducted thus far have been positive and suggest that Melatonin does in fact shorten the time to fall asleep and lengthen sleep duration.

According to more recent studies, Melatonin, besides being a sleep hormone, is also being credited to be a very powerful antioxidant, anti-aging agent, immune regulator, anti-depressant and sexual dysfunction regulator. It is not wonder the pills are flying off the shelves!

Why Do People Use These Supplements

Some of the popular reasons for using this natural hormone supplement are listed below:

Jet Lag- Evidence suggests that Melatonin supplements can decrease jet-lag symptoms. Have you ever flown for hours on end and reached your destination totally wiped, just to return a day or two later. I have and I could barely function. This is a huge problem among business people. Melatonin has been found to lessen the time it takes to fall asleep, reduce daytime tiredness, and boost alertness during the day. The best results occur when Melatonin supplements are started on the day of travel and taken at the desired bedtime at the destination. It is usually taken for several days.

Shift Work- Although evidence is not supportive in this area, it is still popular among this group of individuals. It’s also uncertain as to whether or not Melatonin increases alertness during shift work. More research is definitely needed in this area.

Insomnia in Older Adults- As we age we find it more difficult to fall asleep. Therefore, Melatonin supplements are recommended to be taken approximately one to two hours before bedtime and this will shorten the time it takes older adults to fall asleep.

General Sleep Improvement- Many healthy individuals use Melatonin as a tool to get a better nights sleep and feel more refreshed the next day. Although more research is needed, when Melatonin is taken by these healthy individuals, it takes less time to fall asleep, promotes sleepiness and lengthens sleep time. This can only be good!

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome – This is when individuals have trouble falling asleep until late at night and as a result thereof, find it extremely difficult waking in the morning. Melatonin may help establish a well-needed regular sleep-wake cycle.

Additional Benefits and Uses for Melatonin

The following information is not intended to be misleading. Having said that, there have been studies done in the following areas which seem very promising, but it is fair to say that evidence stills remains unclear:

Cancer- There has been a number of cancer studies involving melatonin, in particular, using lab animals and human cells in test tubes. Although these results have been promising, there isn’t enough conclusive evidence to determine whether Melatonin is safe or effective in this area. More studies are needed.

Withdrawal from Benzodiazepine medications- Withdrawal symptoms are usually associated with these medications, which are used for sleep and anxiety disorders and some evidence suggests that Melatonin may help ease these symptoms

Preliminary evidence suggests that Melatonin may improve sleep for people with specific conditions - Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and diabetes have been studied for this reason.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns Regarding the Use of This Supplement

Although Melatonin is generally considered safe when used short-term and within the recommended dosages, there have been minimal side effects reported as follows: dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, irritability, vivid dreams and a temporary decline in attention as well as balance.

On the more serious side, Melatonin may also caused abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting, it may lower blood pressure, and may cause hallucinations or paranoia, but this is very rare.

Melatonin may also increase the risk of blood clotting, so if you are on any prescriptions such as warfarin (Coumadin), or other medications that influence blood clotting, or have clotting disorders, do not take this Melatonin supplement without first consulting with your doctor. .

Further study is needed to find out more about Melatonin’s side effects, especially delayed or long-term effects. For example, we don’t know if Melatonin has any drug interactions, except as mentioned above, so before taking this supplement if you are using other medications advise your doctor. It is much better to be safe than sorry. Melatonin is a great supplement, and if it is not abused, and taken properly its benefits are endless!

Warnings

Do not drive or operate machinery for several hours upon taking this supplement. Just because Melatonin is natural, save and 100% legal, doesn’t mean it is not potent.

Because the body processes supplements differently than natural producing Melatonin hormones, effects may be different. So, be careful because an increase in amount of supplements taken can result in higher levels of hormones in the blood than are healthy, so be sure to follow the directions and remember it is possible to take too much of a good thing.

Proper Storage of This Supplement

Keep in a cool and dry location and away from direct light, but do not freeze.

As with all medications, keep out of the reach of children.

Heat and dampness may alter the action of melatonin, therefore, it is not advisable to store in the bathroom medicine cabinet.

Is a Doctor’s Prescription Required

No. Melatonin is sold without a prescription in health food stores and drug stores in the United States. However, be smart! As with any medication, whether herbal or pharmaceutical, before starting treatment, consult with your doctor. However, for the most part, individuals who have used this product for sleep disorders have tolerated this medication, without any problems.

Melatonin is one of the most popular and most used supplements on the market. So, take it properly, do not abuse it, and relax and enjoy its benefits! You will find a new healthier you!