Melatonin Information and Side Effects
 Melatonin is a hormone manufactured by the pineal gland, a small gland located in the center of the brain. The pineal gland is only active in darkness, when the central nervous system activates it in order to stimulate production of melatonin. Increases in the level of melatonin causes the body to feel less alert.
Basically what that means is... melatonin induces sleep.
Two factors are needed for the pineal gland to produce melatonin. It must be the right time (basically, around 9 pm to 9 am), and it must be dark. Even at night, indoor lighting can be bright enough to inhibit production of melatonin by the pineal gland.
Melatonin is available as an over the counter supplement in health food stores and some pharmacies. Because is found naturally in some foods, it can be purchased without a prescription. As a naturally occurring substance, the Food and Drug Administration allows melatonin to be sold under the U.S. Dietary and Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994.
There are two types of melatonin supplements available: natural and synthetic (man made). The natural form is derived from animals and can be contaminated with viruses. Therefore, it may be safer to use synthetic melatonin supplements instead.
Melatonin is generally used as a sleep aid with positive results. It appears to have a positive effect on sleep disorders and jet lag, and it is particularly helpful for shift workers who need to adjust their sleep cycles (I just recommended it to a buddy who cycles shifts -- midnights, afternoons, days. He loves it, because it allows hims to sleep and wake up the next morning without feeling groggy).
In small doses, melatonin can delay or advance the sleep-wake cycle for up to six hours. There are also numerous reports that melatonin may make people feel better in general. It appears to have the ability to strengthen the immune system and reduce the amount of harmful free radicals in the body as well.
Since it is not regulated as a drug, melatonin is often manufactured without strict control. For this reason, the doses listed on a bottle of melatonin may not be accurate. Even when taken in accurately measured doses (typically 1 to 3 mg), it is important to realize that melatonin supplements increase levels of the hormone to up to 20 times the amount normally produced in the body. Studies indicate that only small amounts of melatonin are needed to produce results and that large doses of melatonin may not be as effective as small ones.
Melatonin Side Effects
Side effects from melatonin are not common, even at doses that are significantly more than the recommended amount. When side effects from melatonin do occur, they may include an increase in blood pressure, fatigue, depression and problems with fertility. For this reason, people with a history of heart problems, high blood pressure or stroke should use melatonin with caution.
Women of childbearing age should be aware of the risks associated with melatonin as well. Despite any concerns about the use of melatonin, there are no reports that prove toxicity or adverse effects from overdose.
Bottom line?
I've used Melatonin for occassional boughts of insomnia, and recommend it to friends who either have problem sleeping or work shifts. It's been a great help to everyone who has used it. I have no problem recommending it to you. Melatonin's a great supplement.
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