Melatonin - Natural Sleep Aid

Melatonin, also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a natural hormone made by our body from serotonin and secreted by the pineal gland. The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located just above the middle of the brain. During the day this gland is inactive, and when the darkness occurs it turns active and starts producing melatonin. Melatonin controls the sleepiness and wakefulness.

When the darkness impacts the retina of the eye melatonin begins to be secreted and then this secretion is stopped when the retina detects light. The retina possesses photoreceptor cells that send signals regarded the light status to the brain and then to the pineal gland. In this way the pineal gland, depending of the factor that is acting, light or darkness, turns inactive or active to the melatonin production. During nighttime hours melatonin generation peaks and this leads to physiological changes that initiate sleep. On the other hand, during the day since light inhibits melatonin production there are wakefulness and alertness.

Once you know this, you are going to start seeing melatonin as a sleep aid. It is easy to arrive to the conclusion that if this is the hormone which induces sleepiness, then if a sleep difficulty arrives, melatonin supplements can be the solution.

Melatonin is found in small amounts in vegetables and fruits, such as cherries and bananas, in cereals, meats, aromatic plants, olive oil and wine. But, you can also buy it as a supplement. Melatonin supplements are used it to treat sleep disorders, such as insomnia. Here in United States melatonin supplements are available over the counter in almost all drug stores. You can buy this food supplement, as it is sold, without a prescription. However, a prescription can be required in other countries. Melatonin supplements come in tablets, capsules, liquid form and transdermal patches. The dosage of this supplement usually contains more than the necessary amount to produce physiologic blood melatonin levels for promoting sleep. Many studies suggest that doses of 0.3 mg are effective for promoting sleep; others suggest that at least 2 mg will be necessary. People usually consume higher doses (2 to 5 mg). The amount of melatonin that the body secretes tends to decline with age, so maybe there is a connection between this fact and the sleep difficulties experienced by elderly. Although the controversy in regard with the appropriate dosage, the scientific community suggests to start with the lowest dosage and then increase it if the desired effect is not reached.

Today, there are a lot of people who benefit from melatonin supplements consumption. So, if you are one of those people who suffer from sleeping difficulty, you can consider this supplement as part of the solution to your problem. Consult your doctor or pharmacist now and do not spend more time suffering the consequences of sleep deprivation.

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