Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland during sleep and wanes in the morning, as bright light decreases its production. Its main role in the brain is to regulate sleep/wake cycles and circadian rhythms.
Melatonin levels are highest in children and decrease sharply around 45 years of age. This hormone affects the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid gland, thus affecting the release of growth hormones, stress hormones and sex hormones, as well as playing a role in the regulation of blood sugar and calcium levels.
Melatonin is recommended to assist in regulating normal sleep/wake cycles which may be disrupted by prolonged stress, hormonal imbalance, during long distance travel or shift work.
Anti-aging specialists believe that melatonin is essential for slowing the aging process. A stable free radical scavenger, melatonin is one of the most active and effective antioxidants in the body. It is capable of penetrating every cell in the body, thus protecting DNA from free radical damage.
Insomnia, frequent waking, or inability to get back to sleep are all signs of melatonin deficiency. Disruption of natural circadian rhythms can also cause blood sugar imbalances, changes in blood pressure, mood disturbances and hormonal imbalance.
Melatonin’s role in the regulation of sleep/wake cycles allow it to be used to induce sleep naturally without suppressing REM sleep, or incurring the side effects commonly associated with sedatives or sleep aids.
A randomized, placebo-controlled study of 101 patients with fibromyalgia syndrome evaluated melatonin’s effectiveness at reducing symptoms. It found that patients experienced a significant reduction in their fibromyalgia symptoms.
Taking supplemental melatonin in the evening of the new time zone, can help reset the body’s natural clock and acclimatize the body to the new time zone. This can also be valuable for those performing shift work.
Melatonin PR provides all of the benefits of Melatonin in a convenient prolonged-release tablet. Best taken at 6pm and then just before bed. (Melatonin peaks at approximately 3 a.m.)
REFERENCES:
- Lyseng-Williamson KA. Melatonin prolonged release: in the treatment of insomnia in patients aged ≥55 years. Drugs Aging. 2012 Nov;29(11):911-23.
- Hussain SA. Adjuvant use of melatonin for treatment of fibromyalgia. J Pineal Res. 2011 Apr;50(3):267-71.
- Bob P, Fedor-Freybergh P. Melatonin, consciousness, and traumatic stress. J Pineal Res. 2008 May;44(4):341-7.
- Herxheimer A1, Petrie KJ. Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(2):CD001520.
