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Benefits of Melatonin Supplementation:
- Powerful antioxidant effects
- Potential benefit in preventing and treating cancer
- Immune enhancing properties
- Enhances memory
- Promote better sleep
- Avoid jet lag
- Biologic regulation of circadian rhythms
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Hormones – Melatonin
Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant produced naturally in the body by the pineal gland. It manages our inner clock by lowering body temperature that in turn controls our sleep/wake cycle. It regulates the circadian rhythm as well as the deep stages of sleep. Studies suggest that the immune system is stimulated in the deep stages of sleep. The levels are higher at night, are suppressed by bright light, and decline as we age.
Melatonin has been used for years to treat jet lag and insomnia. By using melatonin as a supplement, the sleep/wake cycle can be adjusted to allow quality rest at night and optimal function during the day.
In the January 1997 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, melatonin was extolled as a potential anti-cancer agent. In light of hundreds of studies showing that melatonin can scavenge free radicals, induce youthful sleep patterns and possibly slow the aging process, it’s a perfect candidate for the anti-aging roster.
Possible Side Effects:
Adverse reactions associated with melatonin include stomach discomfort, morning grogginess, and daytime hangover. Aspirin, NSAIDS and beta-blockers may lead to decreased melatonin levels. Use of melatonin with benzodiazepenes, sedating antihistamines, sedating antidepressants and other sedating drugs may cause additive sedation and increase incidence of adverse effects.
No apparent serious consequences have been reported in those taking up to 24 grams daily of melatonin for one month, though such doses are not recommended.
Administration:
Those who use melatonin supplements for sleep disturbance or jet lag usually take about 3 mg at bedtime. Morning drowsiness indicates too high a dose. Dose can be increased under physician supervision to obtain a good night sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I wake up tired in the morning?
Usually means your dose may be too high. Either take it earlier in the evening or decrease your dose.
I still have trouble sleeping on the dose my doctor prescribed.
Check with your doctor first, but it may be necessary to increase your dose.
Is it normal to have more dreams when I take melatonin?
Yes, some people do report more vivid dreams that they now remember.
Additional Information:
Melatonin is derived from the essential amino acid tryptophan. When tryptophan is consumed through the foods we eat, it is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin and then broken down further into melatonin at night. Light suppresses the release of melatonin, while dimming light transferred through the eyes into the pineal gland stimulates the release of more melatonin into the blood stream.
Our Science
“Melatonin has been shown to slow the growth of some cancer, prevent some cancer and decreases side-effects of many chemotherapeutic agents.” Medical Hypothesis 1997 June; 49(6):523-35.
(Melatonin has become so popular that there is now a synthetic, chemically altered melatonin made by a pharmaceutical company to treat insomnia.)
“Use of melatonin in elderly patients with insomnia demonstrated improvement in sleep quality. This study is consistent with other studies.” Patient Care 2000 June:34-38.
“In this study patients were successfully weaned from benzodiazepines (valium), with the sleep regulating hormone melatonin: Melatonin was not associated with adverse effects or tolerance.” Archive of Internal Medicine; 1999 Nov 159: 2456-2460.
“Melatonin possesses strong antioxidant properties with increases in brain glutathione. Melatonin possesses potent anticancer effects, increases and improves immune defenses, inhibits tumor growth factor production.” Journal Pineal Research 1999 Aug ;23(i): 15-19.
“Night time administration of melatonin relieves migraine headaches.” Neurology 2004 August; 246-250.
