What is Melatonin?
A naturally occurring hormone (derived from
serotonin) that is both endocrine (enters the bloodstream from a pineal
gland) and paracrine (signaling cell phenomenon, as from the retina
when light is low, when the signal is "time to sleep").
Melatonin, besides being a sleep hormone, is a very
powerful antioxidant, anti-aging agent, immunoregulator,
anti-depressant and sexual dysfunction regulator.
Is Melatonin Safe to Take?
Actually, the 3mg standard dose has virtually no
side effects, and does not also affect the body's ability to produce
its own melatonin.
Rather, in today's world where we are exposed to
great amounts of strong artificial light, our bodies will not produce
the melatonin it generally needs.
Melatonin also plays a key role in memory and our
ability to learn quickly.
Some very famous studies have been made on melatonin
(one by the Nobel Prize laureate Julius Axelrod) where it was proven
that melatonin plays a direct role in establishing our sleep cycle and
more.
In some mammals with short mating periods (due to
hibernation), melatonin also is related to the production of other
hormones which control sexual activity.
There are no toxic dangers at all, but it will cause
drowsiness, so one must not take it prior to driving or operating
mechanical equipment.
It may also react with some medications, so if you
are taking any monoamine oxidize inhibitors (MAOIs), you must consult
your doctor before taking melatonin.
Melatonin and Your Sleep
It seems the very best and easiest solution to
restless and un-easy sleep is to take one 3mg melatonin tablet 15
minutes prior to going to bed.
Also for at least 1 hour before going to sleep, make
sure the lighting in your environment is progressively less and less,
so as to stimulate your body's own melatonin secretions.
Remember, bright light can block melatonin
production completely.
Along with the melatonin and dim lights, try to put
on some restful and soothing music to keep your mind from focusing on
your problems and not sleeping.
Sleep should come too effortlessly, without
dangerous and habit forming drugs.
Some Interesting facts about
Melatonin
People who work at night, and have their melatonin
blocked by evening bright lights have a significant higher incidence of
cancer than day workers.
Melatonin appears to prevent the
hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein.
It has been proven that hyperphosphorylation of tau
protein results in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.
Neurofibrillary tangles are a pathological occurrence seen in
Alzheimer's, so melatonin may prove a very beneficial treatment as well
as preventative for Alzheimer's disease.
So, instead of getting hooked on sleeping medicines,
try melatonin, and remember all the other benefits it may bring to you
as well.
