Melatonin Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone secreted by the brain’s pineal gland and is primarily responsible for the body’s circadian rhythms. That’s the body’s internal clock that regulates sleeping patterns. It runs 24 hours a day and signals when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. ²
 
When it naturally turns dark, the brain produces more melatonin for sleep induction, and when it begins to turn light again, melatonin production slows down. When a person is exposed to light, a pathway from the retina to the hypothalamus in the brain opens up. This is where the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is situated which then turns on the pineal gland that makes melatonin so it can be released into the bloodstream. ²
 
Melatonin Health Uses and Health
 
An increase in melatonin makes the body feel sleepy and the continued higher level of melatonin contributes to the body’s relaxed, restful state. As light steps up in the morning, the pineal gland is signaled to drop production which causes an awake and alert state. ^1,2
 
Humans have been programmed for day and night circadian cycles for thousands of years. In recent past and with the invention of bright artificial lights, workers are shifted from a normal pattern of being active during the light hours and resting at night. Night shift workers, among other night-owls, have difficulty in regulating melatonin levels and that causes health-related problems. ^1,2
 
Melatonin is naturally produced in the human body but can easily be disturbed in the right balance between when it’s required for healthy rest, protection of the immune system and prevention of certain diseases and disorders.
 
Melatonin benefits make it the most common form of natural home remedy for sleep problems. Natural and supplemental melatonin uses are also effective for treating the following medical issues:

• Insomnia (Sleep Disorder) - Sleep disorders like insomnia are the most common ailments caused by an imbalance of melatonin. Taking melatonin for sleep disorders is an extremely effective natural remedy.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS is a digestive tract disorder that can be eased with proper melatonin production. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties in melatonin have a healing effect on IBS.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - ADHD can be aggravated in children by improper sleep. Melatonin benefits help reduce hyperactivity in children.
• Autism - Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes difficulty in communication and social skills. There is medical proof that a melatonin deficiency can aggravate autistic behavior.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder - These neurological disorders include autism, Asperger’s syndrome and Rett syndrome. Improvement in pervasive developmental disorders is seen with regulated melatonin production.
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD is a difficult mental disorder that stems from experiencing traumatic events. Sleep disorders are often associated with PTSD. Taking melatonin for sleep disruption can ease stress and anxiety brought on by PTSD.

Melatonin Side Effects and Precautions
 
A deficiency in melatonin can contribute to weakened immune systems, elevated inflammation and an increased cancer risk. ¹
 
Taking melatonin supplements may be beneficial to some but there is no substitute for letting the body produce its own safe amount of melatonin. With proper intake of natural home remedies, the body will usually produce a proper amount of melatonin. ¹
 
While there are no serious melatonin side effects, if supplements are taken, a small dosage is required to start with. Safe amounts would be 0.25 mg to a maximum of 0.5 mg to limit potential melatonin side effects. Anything over 1.0 mg can work in reverse, making a person more wakeful and causing insomnia. ¹

References

1. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/03/19/melatonin-benefits.aspx
2. https://draxe.com/melatonin-dosage/