Melatonin

What is it?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in our brain. The pineal gland is like an internal clock and governs our sleep-wake cycles. It also tells our endocrine and immune systems what to do. Scientists believe that the pineal gland uses melatonin as the messenger for all of this.

What does it do?

Scientists are only beginning to understand and research the influence that this hormone has on our bodies. As we age, the various hormones in our bodies decrease. It is believed that the pineal gland knows how old we are and when it calculates that we are too old to reproduce effectively it signals our systems to break down and start the aging process. Research has shown that the addition of melatonin can help the body to think that it is still young.

Additionally, this hormone seems to help people handle stress more easily. Stress can cause a breakdown of the immune system which makes us more prone to illness when we are under stress.

Research is also being done to see if melatonin has any effect on cancer cells. But it is too early to tell if this hormone is an effective therapy for cancer.

It has also been shown to be an effective antioxidant against free radicals. In tests, it performed as well or better than other antioxidants.

How can it help you?

The best use of this hormone seems to be to regulate sleep. As we age, our melatonin decreases and we find it harder to sleep. (Although my father seems to be able to sleep any time). One study found that the quality of sleep for elderly people was proportionate to the the amount of melatonin in their systems. A study at MIT found that doses as small as .3mg & 1.0mg helped the study group fall asleep faster and increased the quality of their sleep.

Are you having trouble falling asleep? Perhaps melatonin would be helpful. Talk to your doctor about it. The amount of this hormone in our bodies is rather small so don't overdo it. Supplements are available in various strengths. They are not regulated by the FDA so taking a synthetic supplement is better than that made from animals.

Do Not Take:
If you are under 40
If you are pregnant, nursing or want to become pregnant
If you are taking other medications - ask your doctor first
If you have a serious disease - ask your doctor first

Side Effects Can Include:
Morning grogginess
Mild headaches
Upset Stomach

Side effects usually occur with high doses or in combination with other medications. Taking 1mg or less usually result in no side effects. Doctors recommend that you take melatonin on an empty stomach or with a snack 1-2 hours before bed.

This is just some of the information that I've found about this hormone. If you are interested in learning more, ask your doctor. Most of this information came from Stopping the Clock by Drs.Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman.

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