Melatonin is a hormone found in all living organisms, and is known in science as the more complex, 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine.
Most people produce around 5 to 25 milligrams of melatonin per night, however this level will decline as a person ages. This is the likely reason elderly people suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
It has also proved effective when used in the treatment of Alzheimers disease, and disorders associated with a persons mood, such as bipolar and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Melatonin appears to have very few side-affects with many individuals taking short term supplements to counter the affects of jet lag, or disrupted sleep patterns caused by working night shifts.
Prolonged usage though has been linked with drowsiness and low blood pressure, while those individuals who suffer from auto-immune disorders may be at risk of exacerbating the problem by taking it as a supplement.
It is suggested that you speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any drug or supplement.
- What does melatonin do?
Most people produce around 5 to 25 milligrams of melatonin per night, however this level will decline as a person ages. This is the likely reason elderly people suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
- How can it be used?
It has also proved effective when used in the treatment of Alzheimers disease, and disorders associated with a persons mood, such as bipolar and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Melatonin appears to have very few side-affects with many individuals taking short term supplements to counter the affects of jet lag, or disrupted sleep patterns caused by working night shifts.
Prolonged usage though has been linked with drowsiness and low blood pressure, while those individuals who suffer from auto-immune disorders may be at risk of exacerbating the problem by taking it as a supplement.
- Further Information
It is suggested that you speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking any drug or supplement.
