Why the Excitement Over Melatonin?
Recent studies suggest that supplementing melatonin may bolster our immune systems, keep our cells from disintegrating, slow the growth of tumors and cataracts, and ward off heart disease, all the while helping us sleep better. (Newsweek, August 1995)
"Studies suggest that low-dose supplements of melatonin can hasten sleep and ease jet lag, without the hazards or side effects of prescription sleeping pills." Melatonin may have many other uses and has been reported to make people feel better, strengthen the immune system, and reduce free radicals in the body. Current research is underway to determine melatonin's effect as an anti-oxidant, immno-modulator in cancer, delayed sleep-phase disorders, and jet lag. Tests are still under way so there is much to still be learned about melatonin and its effects on the human body." (Newsweek, November 6, 1995, p. 60-63).
Melatonin secretion is involved in physiologic sleep onset, and melatonin may be useful in treating insomnia. (Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, May 1995, Harvard, Cambridge, & MIT) Low melatonin levels correlate with low sleep quality. Seven days treatment with melatonin at a level of 2 mg. daily can improve sleep patterns in elderly patients with insomnia. (Dr. Haimov, British Medical Journal, 1994) Young adult subjects assess their sleep as "deeper" after melatonin treatment. (Dr. Nave, European Journal of Pharmacology, 1995)
We produce melatonin abundantly until puberty, and then it declines steadily into old age. (Dr. Russell Reiter, University of Texas) Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland, which is a small gland in the center of the brain. As darkness fall, the pineal gland produces a surge of melatonin that goes to all parts of the body. When light hits the retina of the eye, neural impulses signal the pineal gland to slow melatonin production.
Melatonin has been found to inhibit LDL [low density lipids or "bad cholesterol"] and the synthesis of cholesterol. (Dr. Muller, Biochemical and Biophysical Research, 1994)
Melatonin selectively and efficiently detoxifies highly reactive oxidants [free radicals] by donating an electron to electrophilic compounds. (Dr. Poeggeler, Annals of New York Academy of Sciences, 1995) This may explain why breast cancer and prostate cancer patients taking melatonin had greater survival rates. (Dr. Massion, University of Massachusetts, Medical Hypotheses, 1995) Mice treated with melatonin showed a 50 percent reduction in tumor weight when compared to control mice. (Dr. Berkowitz, Journal of Urology, 1988)
Melatonin helps alleviate the symptoms associated with "Winter Depression". (Dr. Tukholmankatu, Medical Hypothesis, 1994)
Blood pressure normalization is enhanced with melatonin, and it also modulates the release of heart killing stress hormones.
According to many, one of the more effective means of taking a supplement such as melatonin is the sublingual (under the tongue) method. A high quality sublingual melatonin supplement will usually contain 2.5 mg. of melatonin (often in a base of sorbitol and a natural flavor such as peppermint). One tablet can be dissolved under the tongue before retiring. Since this tablet can be dissolved under the tongue, it is excellent for children with sleep disorders and hyperactivity. As an addition to your everyday diet, you can take 1 to 4 tablets daily.
