What’s Your View On Melatonin?
Best know for beating jetlag, melatonin can also be a remarkably affective solution to other problem from insomnia to depression and perhaps even aging. The substance is produced by the pineal gland, at the base of the brain, and is depleted by stress and also decrease naturally as we age. Melatonin is released at night, when it’s dark.
If the body’s levels are low, supplementing melatonin can help you sleep better. Body levels are naturally higher at night, so it should be taken no more than two hours before bedtime. Melatonin boosts immunity, and is a very powerful antioxidant that can protect against heart disease and cancer. At night, when it is highest, it help to clean up the body and brain, reducing cancer risk. Low melatonin levels are often found in people with brain, breast and prostate cancer. Low melatonin levels are believed to be the cause seasonal affective disorder, or SAD the winter blue.
Electromagnetic radiation has negative effects on melatonin. So, for example, if you have a cordless phone base station nest to your bed, or even a radio clock, the radiation from these devices could be perceived as if they were light, consequently affecting your sleeping and dreaming, and lowering you production of melatonin. So, make sure you sleep in a dark room, without any sources of electromagnetic radiation close to your head.
Melatonin, which is a hormone, not a nutrient, is prescription only in the UK, and is best taken under the guidance of a health professional. It is also available in the US, over he counter. Suppliers can easily be found on the web.
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October 30th, 2007 at 2:08 am
Fascinating information. I had no idea that melatonin was affected by electromagnetic radiation…
I’ve had good luck with brainwave entrainment as an insomnia cure. Basically, I listened to rythmic sounds downloaded to my ipod as I was going to sleep. Supposedly the sounds re-trained my brain to sleep. All I know is that it worked. After about 3 weeks, I was sleeping soundly.
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:42 am
Hi Joy,
Congratulation to you…
As for the brainwave technology is like “sound frequencies†can happen to anybody who has sleeping problems. Brainwaves, which is the different states and levels of activity in which your brain is functioning at any given point in time is the key to understanding why you find it so hard to sleep.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Ottimo articolo, sono sempre stata sostenitrice della melatonina e ne faccio uso da parecchio tempo secondo le mie necessità.
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:26 am
I’s it ok to take melatonin even without doctor prescription? I also taking some herbal medicine like lavender, chamomile at leamon balm, is it ok to drink this herbal before slepping.
February 24th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Hi,
Is best that you can consult doctor before taking melatonin. Let your doctor aware and decide how much melatonin you need to consume.
Melatonin can also be taken in an over-the-counter supplement mainly sold in health food stores and pharmacies. Melatonin is available over the counter in varying doses of up to 3 mg per tablet.
However, a fraction of this is required for insomnia, usually about 0.3 mg or less. Too much melatonin or taking it at the wrong time can interrupt normal circadian patterns.
Yes..herbal tea is a natural calming agent. Drink before one hour sleep. You will get better result.
Hope I have helped.