Melatonin - A Cure For Sleeping Disorders?

Melatonin, also known as 5-methosy-N-acetyltryptamine, is a hormone that is produced in the center of the brain by the pinealocytes in the pineal gland. Melatonin regulates the sleep/awake sleeping cycle (circadian rhythm). The production of melatonin is externally influenced by the amount of light in the environment.

Production of melatonin is stimulated by light and inhibited by darkness. As we age, our sleep cycles change and so does the quality of our sleep. It typically deteriorates as longer lasting awakenings become more common. This disturbance has been linked with a decline of melatonin secretion. Melatonin deficiency has also been linked with the onset of some degenerative diseases.

Research suggests that melatonin may help with insomnia in older people and reduce their dependence on sleeping medications. Melatonin may be the answer to a host of sleeping disorders and disturbances. It has been shown that the use of melatonin can help blind people in retaining their circadian cycle. Melatonin may also be used to treat jetlag, as well as reduce the use of sleep aids in the general population. People who suffer from irregular sleeping hours might also be able to benefit by taking melatonin to get on a regular sleeping pattern and still maintain a good night's sleep.

Melatonin is widely available and can be found in alternative health food stores, as well as some drug stores. Not a lot is known about melatonin, but so far it seems to be able to help some individuals and cause very few side effects. The manufacturing and marketing of melatonin is currently unregulated in the United States. There is no guarantee of consistency between brands; quantity and quality in supplements may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Understandably, most doctors do not prescribe or recommend melatonin as more research is needed to discover the benefits and side effects on the general population, as well as older people.

Sarah Walker is a health and fitness enthusiast. She currently runs a website helping people with Insomnia. To find out more information and help on insomnia, go to http://insomniasymptoms.org

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