Melatonin
A Remedy For: Insomnia
Given its ability to regulate body rhythms and promote normal sleep, Melatonin
has proven useful not only for insomnia, but for jet lag and seasonal affective
disorder (SAD) as well.
Other roles for this natural hormone are considerably more
controversial. Some advocates claim it can hold back the spread of cancer.
Others say it can delay the onset of aging, improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's
disease, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce high blood pressure. However, most
doctors feel that its effectiveness for these purposes remains to be proven.
What It Is; Why It Works
Melatonin is a product of the pineal gland, where it is synthesized from the
amino acid tryptophan. Under normal conditions, Melatonin levels foreshadow the
sleep cycle, usually increasing rapidly from the late evening until midnight,
then decreasing as morning approaches. In this way, Melatonin helps regulate
circadian rhythm, the body's 24-hour "dark-light clock" that governs
the timing of hormone production, sleep, body temperature, and more.
Not surprisingly, people with high levels of Melatonin usually
sleep longer and more soundly than those with a deficiency. For example, the
elderly, who produce less Melatonin than the young and middle-aged, are
typically more susceptible to insomnia. Similarly, events that throw Melatonin
levels out of synch--such as a jet trip between time zones--seem to interfere
with production of the hormone and thus disrupt sleep. Consumption of alcohol,
tobacco, and narcotics has a similar effect.
Some researchers speculate that chronically low Melatonin
levels may also be linked with cancer, especially in the breast, skin, or
prostate gland. They note that many cancer patients have poorly functioning
pineal glands and show low levels of Melatonin. Boosting these levels, they
theorize, might strengthen the immune system and stimulate it to kill malignant
cells, or at least prevent the cells from dividing rapidly. Until further proof
is available, however, Melatonin can at best be considered an adjunct to
conventional treatment--and certainly not a substitute for it.
Avoid If...
Unless your doctor approves, do not take Melatonin if you have an autoimmune
disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, any condition that affects your lymphatic
system, AIDS, osteoarthritis, depression or any other emotional disorder,
diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, or serious
allergies.
Couples who are trying to conceive a baby should avoid this
hormone. It is also not for use in children or teenagers.
Special Cautions
Take Melatonin only at bedtime. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking a
dose.
If you develop a headache, rash, or upset stomach, or find
that your normal sleeping patterns are disrupted, stop taking Melatonin and
check with your doctor.
Possible Drug Interactions
Check with your doctor before combining Melatonin with the following:
Beta blockers such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin
Large amounts of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Mood-altering drugs such as diazepam (Valium)
Steroid medications such as prednisone
Special Information If You Are Pregnant or
Breastfeeding
Do not take Melatonin supplements during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How to Prepare
Melatonin is available without prescription in tablet and capsule form.
Typical Dosage
Most experts recommend taking from 1 to 3 milligrams of Melatonin approximately
20 minutes before bedtime. Controlled release formulations should be taken 2
hours before going to bed.
To determine the exact dosage best for you, ask your doctor to
monitor your blood levels and adjust the dosage accordingly. Do not attempt to
medicate yourself.
Overdosage
Several physicians and researchers say that dosages as high as 200 milligrams of
Melatonin per day appear to do no harm.
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