Melatonin

Occasionally, everyone experiences a sleepless night, however, consistently lacking sleep can actually be fatal. This is because trouble sleeping is often the cause of heart disease, obesity, and certain types of cancer. Not getting a good nights sleep leaves you drowsy during the day which can be dangerous if you have to drive or operate heavy machinery.

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Not be able to get an adequate amount of sleep is referred to as insomnia. And when insomnia strikes, you have to do something about it. Well, you may ask yourself, “What should I try?”. Most people do not want to take a sleeping pill because they are often too strong which makes it harder to wake up.

Melatonin is a hormone that is often used, instead of sleeping pills, to treat insomnia. This hormone is natural produced in the body as part of the circadian rhythm, a natural 24-hour clock. And, as it gets dark, more is produced so that you can sleep. Many different factors can effect the body's natural cycle, causing the body to produce less melatonin. Age is a major factor. Children tend to produce more and people who are over sixty-five tend to have much less. People whose job require them to change shifts frequently and people with jet lag are also likely to experience a disruption in the body's production of melatonin.

For some people, taking supplements just might be the answer. Research has shown that supplements are helpful with getting over jet lag, especially if you have traveled through more than five time zones. Studies have also suggested that people over the age of 55 who experience insomnia receive the most benefits from them.

People who are attempting to ween themselves off of medications such as xanax and valium also benefit from the use of the hormone melatonin. More research is still needed, but people who have stopped taking addicting drugs, like the ones listed above, have reported getting better quality rest when the take the time released version of this hormone.

Melatonin could possibly benefit people who are dealing with breast cancer. It has been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells while increasing the benefits received from chemotherapy drugs. One drug, tamoxifen, has shown some tumors shrinking by up to 28%. The hormone melatonin does have it's down side, though. Like most other supplements that affect sleep, it can cause next day drowsiness. While this is not a common side effect, it can happen, especially is it is taken with other medications or supplements that can cause drowsiness.

Other side effects of melatonin use include:

- Stomach Cramps
- Headache
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Decreased Libido
- Decreased Sperm Count
- Possible Breast Enlargement in Males
- People Suffering From Depression May Experience Worsened Symptoms

Known Drug Interactions:

Negative:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-Psychotics
- Some Blood Pressure Medications such as Calcium Channel Blockers and Blood Thinners And Medications that Effect the Immune System

Positive:
- Beta Blockers
- Tamoxifen
- Interleukin-2

It is extremely important that you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking melatonin or any supplement. Because they are aware of your medical history, as well as, any medications you take, they can help to prevent negative interactions and possibly dangerous side effects.