Liquid melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by a small gland in the brain called the pineal gland. Melatonin is a part of the circadian rhythm in human body, more commonly known as the sleep-wake cycle. It controls the cycle on a daily basis through certain chemical variations. The secretion of melatonin varies with light, and is the highest in the middle of the night.

Melatonin has also been known to possess antioxidant properties that may increase the longevity in humans. Melatonin also has the potential to prevent DNA damage by certain carcinogens. The hormone is recognized to interact with the immune system, and has been suggested by some to be a potent immune booster. It can also encourage vivid dreams while sleeping. But the most important contribution of melatonin in the human body is perhaps the hormone’s ability to ensure a sound sleep.

Natural secretion of melatonin may decrease with age and cause insomnia, especially in case of adults over 50 years old. Under such cases, melatonin doses have been seen to act as effective sleeping aids. Doses of supplemental melatonin have also been prescribed for patients with narcolepsy, or chronic sleep disorder, or for people suffering from jetlag, or lack of sleep because of work timings. It helps people with sleeping difficulties to snooze well by acting as a mild hypnotic. It increases the melatonin level in the blood before the brain can do it itself. It is usually taken 30 to 90 minutes before sleep time. Liquid melatonin is perhaps a better substitute to solid medication as it is easily absorbed in the blood stream. A dosage of 0.3 mg is advisable, as higher doses may cause adverse effects.

Liquid melatonin is not a habit-forming drug, and is not addictive. It is rather considered to be a dietary supplement, and is therefore safe to be taken everyday. Moreover, it does not cause the feeling of ‘hangover’ that other sleeping medications may cause the next morning.

However, use of melatonin should be limited to adults only. Although there are liquid melatonin supplements available for children and toddlers, their use is not advisable. Pregnant or lactating women and patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or other brain disorders, leukemia and lymphoma are advised not to take melatonin supplements unless recommended. Also people with high blood pressure, or who are under other prescribed medications should consult healthcare professionals before starting on liquid melatonin doses.

Apart from its use as a sleeping aid, liquid melatonin supplements can also be helpful for a number of other disorders. It has been seen that melatonin supplements can boost fertility in women, and can also help to alleviate mood swings and depressions related to menopause or menstrual periods. It can also be used as supplements to prevent migraines and cluster headaches.

Liquid melatonin supplements are safe for short-term usage with low doses for otherwise healthy people. However, high doses of liquid melatonin supplements may cause some adverse side-effects. Some of these side-effects may include dizziness, nausea, confusion, extremely dramatic dreams or nightmares, discomfort, abdominal cramps and, in some cases, sleepwalking. Some users have also reported to have experienced allergic reactions.

Melatonin supplements are easily available in the market, and some of the liquid melatonin supplements are also considered to be over-the-counter medications. It is not very expensive, and is available under the names of a number of brands, such as Walgreens or Sweet Dreams.

Liquid melatonin is a fast-acting and quick-absorbing supplement for sleeping disorders. It is easy to get, and followed with the proper and recommended dosage, it can help almost anyone to get an adequate amount of sound sleep every night.

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Last updated on Jun 9th, 2010 and filed under Health Supplements. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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