[infoshare] Melatonin
- From: "Lynne" <superlynne@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <infoshare@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 14:08:23 -0400
Hi, All.
Here is an article copied from this month's Matilda Ziegler. It proves that
you should be wary and careful of even natural supplements.
Lynne
Melatonin May Help Sleep, but Safety Is Not Known (By Martha A.
Simpson, D.O. From
www.familymedicine.org
, copyright April 9,
2008)
Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs in our bodies. It
is produced in the pineal gland, and it helps to regulate our
circadian rhythm--the internal timing mechanism that keeps us
awake in the daytime and asleep during the night.
Melatonin is manufactured by the body in response to being
in a dark environment, and production is decreased with exposure
to light. The female hormones that help regulate the menstrual
cycle are released in response to melatonin.
Some research suggests that the body's decline in melatonin
levels with age contributes to sleeping problems in older adults.
Melatonin has also been shown to be an antioxidant and may
boost the immune system.
Melatonin supplements can be used for many things, and it
has received a good deal of publicity as a treatment for
insomnia.
In fact, a few scientific studies have shown it to be more
effective than a placebo, or sugar pill, in treating sleep
problems.
Specifically, these studies have found that melatonin was
better than a placebo in three areas--reducing the amount of time
it takes to fall asleep, increasing the number of hours of sleep,
and improving daytime alertness. Other studies, however, have
shown these effects to be present only for short-term use--a few
days to several weeks.
Also, the effects of using melatonin supplements for an
extended period of time have not been studied, so its long-term
safety is not known.
Melatonin is also being studied as an adjunctive treatment
for a wide range of other conditions. A few that are currently
under investigation include depression, eating disorders,
osteoporosis, cancer, attention deficit, sunburn and heart
disease.
All the studies are very preliminary, and you should not try
on your own to use melatonin to treat any of these conditions.
While melatonin is available without a prescription, it
should be used with caution. Always start with the lowest
possible dose and only after consultation with your family
physician.
If you take too much melatonin, it can cause agitation and
anxiety.
When using melatonin for insomnia, take it about one hour
before bedtime. You will know it worked if you get a restful
night's sleep and have no fatigue or irritability the next day.
Melatonin is known to have side effects such as vivid dreams
and nightmares. It can also disrupt your sleep and wake cycles
if not taken properly.
Also, be careful if you are taking other medications
regularly--even over-the-counter products. Though many drugs and
a few herbs can interact negatively with melatonin, you should be
particularly careful not to use other sedative drugs or alcohol
when taking melatonin. Because of the possibility of these types
of drug interactions, consult your physician before trying
melatonin.
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