Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. The Pineal gland is located in the center of the brain. It regulates our circadian rhythm as well as regulates the deep stages of sleep. It is in these deep stages of sleep that our immune system is stimulated. A recent book, The Melatonin Miracle, regarded the pineal gland as a master regulator of the endocrine system and stated that as such, “It controls most of the immune system̓s responses.” The pineal gland controls the activities of virtually every cell in the body, affecting such diverse functions as reproduction, body temperature, kidney function, immunity, sleep, growth and development. The pineal gland uses melatonin to maintain the body̓s balance, equilibrium and homeostasis.

The primary role of the pineal gland is to control the production and use of energy throughout the body and it does this using melatonin and perhaps other compounds. The pineal gland, using melatonin, directs the production of energy throughout the body. Using melatonin stimulate necessary repairs, respond to injury or stimulate the production of other hormones, enzymes or antibodies. Melatonin acts to direct cells to do whatever is needed to keep the body running in a state of homeostasis. As with all other hormones, there are many health benefits to melatonin.

Benefits of Melatonin

On January 16, 1997, the New England Journal of Medicine published the most extensive review about melatonin that has ever been published in a conventional medical journal. This article extolled many of the virtues of melatonin including the powerful antioxidant effects, the potential benefit in preventing and treating cancer, its immune enhancing properties, and its ability to promote better sleep and avoid jet lag. Melatonin has been shown to have a role in the biologic regulation of circadian rhythms, sleep, mood, reproduction, tumor growth and as an antioxidant.

As with DHEA, there have already been hundreds of studies published showing the tremendous beneficial effects of melatonin. When published scientific studies so clearly demonstrate that a natural hormone supplement can boost immune function, scavenge free radicals, fight cancer, induce youthful sleep patterns, and possibly slow the aging process, then we feel that most people should be taking melatonin as a supplement.

Availability

Melatonin is available both by prescription and over-the-counter. Most of the OTC preparations are from China and possibly contain contaminants. The pharmaceutical grade from a compounding pharmacy is 100% pure, and unlike over-the-counter preparations, they are completely reliable. Taking melatonin that is compounded by a special pharmacy is the only way to assure that you are receiving pure melatonin.

The standard dose of Melatonin is 3 mg. Many patients however, take even higher dosages, even up to 30 mg a day, in order to get the desired effect. The simplest way to judge the correct amount necessary for you is through a trial and error-like process. That is women should start with 1mg and increase it slowly over several weeks and see how you feel. Men can start with 5 mg at bed time. Increase the amount very slowly over several weeks, if you starthaving difficulty sleeping decrese the dose slowy until you sleep improves,. Now youa re at the right dosage for your personal needs.

Side Effects

The only side effect from melatonin might be excessive morning sleepiness and headache. If this is encountered, then you are taking too much and the dosage you are taking should be reduced. Some people are sensitive to melatonin and require much smaller dosages such as only 1 mg, while the majority of people tolerate 3 to 9 mg or more, without difficulty. Since melatonin is such an important protective hormone it is important to take the highest dosage possible as long as you can tolerate it well. Optionally, you can take that dose which causes no excessive morning grogginess and allows to have a restful sleep without significant awakening.

I’ve discovered one intriguing benefit to melatonin, which is the reduction in nocturia or urinary frequency at night. Many men think that they have prostate problems because they awaken to urinate, although they usually end up urinating small amounts. Melatonin usually diminishes this nighttime awakening with the urge to urinate which in turn improves the supposed prostate problem. And, yes, it is equally effective in women. Melatonin has recently been shown to be an effective therapy to decrease migraine headaches and lower blood pressure.

Why would anyone not want to take this safe, natural, effective, cheap, cancer-protective, immune-enhancing therapy for sleep that has stood the test of time? I personally take 12 mg. of melatonin, sleep like a baby, dream more than before and awake refreshed. No one should take sleeping pills until they have tried this natural, healthy, sleep-enhancing hormone that avoids the risks and side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.