Sunday, March 21, 2010

Learn the Benefits and Hidden Dangers of Melatonin

By Kyleen T Shugar

Know what? All I want is a little more melatonin in my life so that I can sleep like a baby.

Such a wish sound bizarre to you? Then you likely don't have problems getting a good night's sleep. Otherwise you wouldn't be asking why a sleep aid of all things?

That's because, melatonin, a brain hormone, when taken as a supplement can help you fall asleep and remain asleep throughout the night. It's such a good solution for sleep disorders that it's being looked into as a treatment for insomnia.

You see as this hormone secreted by our pineal gland it controls our sleep cycle. You'd be surprised to know that even a tiny drop in the melatonin production can deprive you of valuable sleep time. This is quite a common complaint as the amount of this produced naturally tapers off with age.

But the good news is if the levels dip low it can be replenished by getting enough sleep. As we sleep and when it's dark our bodies produce melatonin naturally. The problem is melatonin production depends on sleep and sleep depends on melatonin. Can you see the Catch 22 here?

The good news is melatonin supplements can help you catch up with your lost sleep and also top off your melatonin levels. They may be a way to remedy many sleep disorders besides dealing with jetlag or those living the life of a swing shift worker.

For years adapting to different time zones or working changing shifts has been made easier by even a smallish dose of melatonin supplements. Which won't leave you waking up dull and drowsy - but mentally ready for anything the day may present.

Another nice thing is once you stop taking it, melatonin is out of your system fairly quickly.

On the flip side it lacks FDA approval for usage as a sleep aid. And no one has said it is 100% safe - although it may be. Going overboard can leave you feeling nauseous or complaining of headache sluggishness and in some cases depression.

That lack of FDA oversight means you can't necessarily count on the quality of ingredients found in any bottle of this supplement either.

And for best results, you shouldn't consume alcohol or take other medications with melatonin. Because this can impact how your prescription drugs work.

The bottom line? Melatonin is probably about as effective many modern OTC sleep aids. And it's a great help if you are dealing with the affects of jet lag. But if are suffering from insomnia or other more serious sleep disorders get to the root of the problem. Don't try to skate by on melatonin alone.

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