Benefits of Taking Melatonin
Melatonin supplements have been available in the United States since 1996. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. The neurotransmitter tryptophan is a precursor.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the use of supplements and has issued a general warning regarding the use of supplements of any kind: follow the dosage on labeling and seek medical help if there are side effects.
Melatonin is generally used as a sleep aid or to help overcome jet lag more quickly. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have done metanalyses of studies on melatonin. In several cases, the organization suggests that further studies be done to better understand the best and safest uses for melatonin.
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Benefits
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The NIH have found that generally, administering 0.5 to 50 mg of melatonin can help an individual fall asleep. Some studies suggest sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) is reduced when melatonin is taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. This is true for adults over 18.
Significance
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For people with chronic sleep disorders, melatonin may be a useful supplement. If you have a long-standing history of sleep difficulties, see your doctor. People may find that they are able to overcome jet lag more quickly by taking melatonin close to the time they would like to sleep, for several days. Elderly people with insomnia and those with delayed sleep syndrome (where sleep latency is longer) have found some relief from taking melatonin.
Melatonin supplements come in many dosages. Generally it is recommended to start with the smallest dosage possible and to not use any melatonin supplement for longer than three months.
Identification
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Melatonin is made in the brain by the pineal gland. During darkness, melatonin levels are greatest. During brightness, these levels are low. For this reason, melatonin is believed to affect the body's circadian rhythms of waking and sleeping. People usually take synthetic melatonin supplements for sleep disorders or to reduce jet lag.
Considerations
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If you have any chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or any coronary heart diseases, see your doctor before taking melatonin.
Studies report that melatonin side effects include increased blood pressure that can occur with the use of melatonin. The NIH have analyzed many studies already completed on melatonin, but in many cases has called for more studies of its long-term effects.
Warning
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Side effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, irritability, vivid dreams and nightmares. As daytime sleepiness can occur when using melatonin, people are warned against its use if they operate heavy machinery. If you have a history of blood-clotting disorders, or are taking the medication Wayfarin or any blood-thinners, see your doctor before taking melatonin.
Abnormal heart rhythms and increasing blood pressure have also been reported with melatonin use in some people. If you have hypertension or any coronary heart diseases, consult your physician.
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