Here are 2 articles on melatonin (sorry for the bold letters)

November 20, 2007

,

Both of these were posted last May on this forum, and happily I saved

them.

Dahlia

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050308134331.htm

Rest Easy: MIT Study Confirms Melatonin's Value As Sleep Aid

March 13, 2005

Science Daily - CAMBRIDGE, Mass. --- A new study by MIT

scientists and colleagues confirms that melatonin is an

effective sleep aid for older insomniacs and others. Misuse

of the hormone had led some to question its efficacy, but

the latest work (published in the February issue of Sleep

Medicine Reviews) could jump-start interest in the dietary

supplement and help more people get a good night's sleep.

In earlier research, scientists led by Professor

Wurtman, principal investigator for the current study, showed

that only a small dose of melatonin (about 0.3 milligrams) is

necessary for a restful effect. Taken in that quantity, it not

only helps people fall asleep, but also makes it easier for

them to return to sleep after waking up during the night --

a problem for many older adults.

The researchers also found, however, that commercially

available melatonin pills contain 10 times the effective

amount. And at that dose, " after a few days it stops working, "

said Wurtman, director of MIT's Clinical Research Center and

the Cecil H. Green Distinguished Professor. When the

melatonin receptors in the brain are exposed to too

much of the hormone, they become unresponsive.

[...]

When Wurtman first discovered the efficacy of small doses of

melatonin, he and MIT patented its use for dosages up to one

milligram. Because the FDA defined the hormone as a dietary

supplement, however, manufacturers were free to sell it in

much higher dosages, " even though we knew they wouldn't work, "

Wurtman said.

As a result, until recently the hormone was commercially

unavailable to the public in small doses. " People who knew

that small doses were best often bought the high-dose pills,

then divided them with a knife, " Wurtman said. " But that's not

very accurate. "

[...]

---

>Melatonin declines rapidly with aging & levels are generally minimal

>by age 70. Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, beta-blocker medications,

>some anti-depressants, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, & chronic

>stress deplete melatonin. Chronic stress causes the production of

>too much cortisol which lowers melatonin. Melatonin can be stress

>protective by keeping down the hyperproduction of cortisol (the

>stress hormone). Since melatonin can help control excess cortisol

>production those with low adrenal function & low cortisol need to be

>careful about taking too much melatonin. It can make them even more

>tired. In summary, too little or too much melatonin will impair

>stress tolerance.

>It interacts positively with other hormones so that lower doses may

>be required. Melatonin helps with the conversion of the inactive

>thyroid (T4) to the active thyroid (T3). If you are on thyroid &

>start to regularly take melatonin you may need to adjust your

>thyroid dosage.

>

>Source: http://www.thewayup.com/newsletters/041599.htm

>

November 20, 2007

I swear by Melatonin. I was a huge benedryl & Advil Pm user until I tried

Melatonin. I started out on 2 mg, which was too much for me. That dose made

me feel like I was having a panic attack. But at 1 mg, it just mellows me

right out & I get a wonderful sleep.

Hope this helps someone.

Here are 2 articles on melatonin (sorry for the bold

letters)