Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, sometimes called melatonin gland, in the brain. It is found not only in humans but even the simplest organisms like Algae. It is believed to be the hormone responsible for sleep regulation although not many studies established how it works. It is a substance discovered fairly recently and so not enough studies have been conducted to know what it really is and how it affects our body.

There had been a lot of studies about melatonin use in medicine so now it is being marketed in the form of a dietary supplement. Melatonin supplements are primarily used to serve the purpose of being a natural sleeping aid. Melatonin sleep aid is said to improve the quality of sleep by momentarily raising the substance’s levels in the body. Melatonin natrol is one of the most popular forms of this sleep aid supplement.

Continuous studies are also being conducted to determine whether melatonin can also be useful in treating diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s immune disorders, depression and even sexual dysfunction. It has also been known to prevent migraines and headaches. It has also been believed that the interaction with melatonin can be beneficial in the repair of the immune system.

Although there are a lot of benefits, there are also some known melatonin side effects. The side effects of melatonin include; dizziness, drowsiness, depression, vomiting and low blood pressure. There had been some documented interactions with melatonin and nifedipine. There might also be interactions norvasc lipitor melatonin combination so you should consult with your doctor first if you are simultaneously taking these medicines.

The advisable melatonin dosage for sleeping aids is smaller than 1mg. It can be as equally effective as higher dosages available in the market. Large dosage can of course cause melatonin overdose. There are also some serious questions about the safety of melatonin for children. Pregnant women are also not advised to drink melatonin as it may affect their conception. Although there are really no study that directly establish its harmful effects to children, government from a lot of countries like Canada banned melatonin. This is a grave matter for them and the side effects of melatonin should be dealt with seriously.

Everyone should be careful about the medicines and supplements they take. They should always consider melatonin safety and precautions before taking it. Of course, it is still best to consult a doctor before taking melatonin.