Melatonin
Overview:
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the body. It
is generally secreted at night, where in most people, levels are the
greatest during the normal hours of sleep. The level of melatonin
in the body rapidly increases in the late evening, peaks after midnight
and decreases toward the morning. It promotes sleep by fixing abnormalities
in sleep-wake cycles and by releasing a direct soporific effect, namely
when taken during the day. However, melatonin supplements should be
taken in the evening. Studies also suggest that Melatonin affects
the immune response to cancer, possibly by creating effects on cytokines,
which inhibit the growth of tumors by killing infected cells.
How This Supplement Works in Your Body:
Induces fatigue
Helps alleviate sleep disturbances
Helps cure insomnia and restless leg syndrome
May slow aging
May fight disease
May enhance sex life
May diminish the effects of jet lag
Cautions:
Don't take if you:
Are allergic to melatonin
Are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines unless
consulting with your physician or pharmacist
Consume alcohol or use tobacco products due to the disruption of
the nighttime melatonin effect
Consult your doctor if you:
Experience any chronic health problem
Are allergies to any medication, food or other substance
Have high blood pressure (hypertension) or cardiovascular disease
(Some studies in animals suggest melatonin may constrict blood vessels,
a condition that could be dangerous for people with these conditions.)
Over 55 years old:
It is recommended that a lower starting dosage is taken until a
response is determined
Pregnancy:
Consult with your physician to determine if any benefits of taking
Melatonin outweigh the risk to your unborn child. Since Melatonin
is not regulated by the FDA, the risk to an unborn child is unknown.
Breastfeeding:
It is not known whether melatonin is passed into milk. Consult with
your physician before taking.
Infants and Children:
It is hazardous to treat infants and children under 2 with any supplement.
Storage:
Keep in a cool and dry location and away from direct light, but
do not freeze.
Keep safely away from children.
Do not keep in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and dampness may
alter the action of the supplement.
Safe dosage:
Melatonin, as a product, is marketed as a dietary supplement and
has not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
for effectiveness and safety.
The optimal dosage amounts are unknown. Use caution when taking
this supplement. Hormone supplements may cause different effects
on the body than do naturally produced hormones, because the body
processes them differently. An increase in amount of supplements
taken can result in higher levels of hormones in the blood than
are healthy.
Toxicity:
Comparative-toxicity rating is not available from standard references.
Side Effects:
Signs and symptoms : What to do
Drowsiness, confusion, headache or grogginess may occur the following
morning : Decrease dosage or call your physician when convenient
