Overview
Melatonin
is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland…
Benefits
Induces
fatigue, helps alleviate sleep disturbances…
Cautions
Don’t
take if you are allergic to melatonin…
Side
Effects
Drowsiness,
confusion, headache or grogginess may… |
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.
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