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What exactly
is Melatonin?
"Melatonin is the all-natural nightcap. It's secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-size structure
at the center of the brain, as our eyes register the fall of darkness." At night melatonin is produced to help our bodies
regulate our sleep-wake cycles. The amount of melatonin produced by our body seems to lessen as we get older. Scientists
believe this may be why young people have less problem sleeping than older people.
We recommend these websites
to purchase pharmaceutical grade Melatonin:
www.biovea.co.uk
www.agestop.co.uk
Why take it?
Studies suggest that melatonin can help people with sleep disorders 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.
Who benefits the most?
Travelers and people suffering from mild sleep disorders. According to Newsweek, a typical comment from
discussion groups on the Internet is, "'Folks, I've tried melatonin and it's great. It has ...restored my sleep cycle, given
me lots of energy.'"
What is the recommended dosage?
The appropriate dose can vary enormously
from person to person. For example tablets (or capsules) of 1 mg and 3 mg. Start off with a 1mg tablet (or capsule) each
night before bed-time, and work your way to larger doses if needed.
Are there any side-effects?
According to one report, "10 percent of the users said the hormone did nothing for them". In past studies, researchers
have given people up to 600 to 3,000 times the usual doses - without causing any toxicity."
What additional benefits
are there and how reliable are these claims?
"In test-tube and animal experiments, researchers have found that it
protects cells, strengthens the immune system and slows the growth of some tumors." Tests with laboratory mice suggest that
melatonin might also reduce the effects of ageing.
Should certain people avoid it?
Yes.
"Those include women who are pregnant or nursing (since no one knows how excessive exposure to the hormone might affect a
fetus or infant); people with severe allergies or autoimmune diseases (melatonin could exacerbate such conditions by stimulating
the immune system); people with immune-system cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia (for the same reason), and healthy children
(who already produce it in abundance). Women trying to conceive should also think twice about taking the hormone, since
high doses can act as a contraceptive." As with any substance introduced into your body, if you have a medical condition
you should always consult your physician first before taking melatonin.
Will melatonin extend my lifespan?
There are no human studies to support this contention. In tests on both rats and mice melatonin caused a significant
20% increase in their lifespan. If melatonin does allow you to live longer and healthier it could do so because melatonin
may reduce free radical damage; stimulate an aging immune system; protect the cardiovascular system; preserve a youthful
circadian rhythm; stimulate the production of growth hormone.
Will melatonin enhance my sex life?
There is no evidence to support this claim as it relates to humans. However, a 1995 rodent study suggests that taking
small amounts of melatonin on a regular basis may prevent the age-related decline in testosterone levels, allowing men to
be more active sexually in their later years.
Is melatonin safe?
Melatonin is one of the
least toxic substances known. People have taken as much as 6 grams (600 to 3000 times the normal dosage) of the substance
in carefully monitored studies with no sign of toxicity. Only four complaints regarding melatonin have been report to the
FDA (USA's Food and Drug Administration). The only consistent side effect of high doses has been drowsiness and a slower
reaction time. In the most extensive clinical trial to date a high dose of 75 milligrams of melatonin per day was given
to 1400 women in the Netherlands for up to four years with no ill effects. The FDA reports that in the more than two years
melatonin has been available for sale over-the-counter in the United States, no alarming side effects have been reported.
When should the dosage be administered?
Melatonin should only be taken at nighttime, usually
about thirty minutes prior to going to bed. If you are traveling on a long trip you may want to take a dosage prior to getting
on your flight and a higher dosage pill prior to going to bed. If you commonly sleep during the night, melatonin should not
normally be taken during the day - and vice versa - because melatonin plays a role in setting the body's daily clock.
Does melatonin have that morning-after hangover effect of sleeping pills?
No. You should normally
wake up well refreshed and full of energy. If you wake up feeling a little tired you should reduce your dosage until you
wake up feeling well refreshed. You will not have the hangover effect you may experience with over the counter or prescription
sleeping pills.
What is pharmacy grade melatonin?
Natural, animal, or bovine grade melatonin
contains the actual extracts of the pineal gland. Because it comes from animal tissue, this grade of melatonin may be accompanied
by viruses or proteins that could cause an antibody response. We highly recommend that people stay away from it.
The alternative is synthetic or pharmacy grade melatonin, which is produced from pharmaceutical grade ingredients. This form
is molecularly identical to the melatonin that we produce in our own bodies, without unwanted extras.
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