Melatonin - The Natural Sleeping Pill

Professor J. Arendt, an endocrinologist at the University of Surry in Great Britain says he has found no proof that melatonin slows aging. Nor is there any evidence that it cures other diseases such as AIDS or Alzheimer's.

MIRACLES!

What are some of these outrageous claims? Well, besides reversing aging, curing Alzheimer's and preventing AIDS, melatonin has also been credited with the ability to cure autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.

Use of this hormone is also said to ward off heart disease and breast cancer and slow the growth of tumors. There are also claims that melatonin bolsters the immune system and slows the growth of cataracts.

And while melatonin is performing all the above miracles, it will also improve your sex life! Pretty good for a simple hormone that comes from a gland the size of a pea.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

Because there haven't been enough studies or research done, no one knows what adverse effects might occur from long term use. Short term effects noted by some users include vivid, frightening nightmares, headaches and mild depression, along with morning grogginess and a bit of confusion.

Although some mothers with cranky, over tired children might well be tempted to try melatonin, it should never be administered to children. Young bodies always have an abundance of the hormone, and it can increase the frequency and severity of seizures in children prone to this maladie.

In fact, unless there is an underlying reason like chronic insomnia or chronic fatigue syndrome, (when sleep is never restful) no one under 40 should need to take melatonin. It is wisest never to take melatonin except under medical supervision.

WARNINGS!

There is the possibility that increasing the amount of melatonin in the body might disrupt the body's own production of the hormone. Altering the amount of one hormone in the body often alters the body's own production of other hormones. In the case of increasing melatonin, the hormone prolactin may also increase. This causes enlarged breasts and decreases the sex drive, which completely negates the claim that melatonin enhances the sex life.

Melatonin is often administered in far too high a dosage. When this happens, the hormone remains in the blood stream and can cause daytime drowsiness, confusion and that headachy, hangover feeling. In some cases, too high a dose can even cause insomnia, the exact opposite of the result hoped for.

A dosage as small as one mg. or even less can cause drowsiness. Start with a very small amount and work your way up to a dosage that works for you. Never take more than you need, and take it only at bedtime.

Do not take a melatonin supplement:

• if you are pregnant.
• if you are nursing.
• if you suffer from sever allergies or auto immune disease.
• if you suffer from an immune system cancer.
• if you are a woman trying to conceive.
• if you suffer from a severe mental disease.
• if you are taking steroid-type medication.
• if you are taking MAO inhibitors.
• if you suffer from epilepsy.

QUOTES FROM USERS