What Is Melatonin
And How Can It Help Me Sleep?

What is melatonin? Medically speaking, melatonin is a hormone secreted within the body - specifically from the pineal gland in our brains. But to those who suffer from a temporary or long-term sleep disorder, like night insomnia for example, melatonin is a promising treatment and therapy.

Intensive studies and research information indicates that melatonin can induce sleep by acting on the brain and restructuring it to work according to a natural circadian rhythm. This is a rhythm regulated by the pineal gland, however other information on melatonin supports the belief that melatonin can even relieve jetlag as well.

New information is literally popping up everywhere - pointing out how important the pineal gland (and sleep) is to general health. According to a recent CNN health report, "More than 20 million Americans already use it for that purpose, hoping to treat insomnia or jet lag, or lessen the effects of shift work."

Purchased as an over-the-counter supplement, this hormone has been previously prescribed to patients with a sleep disorder as a way to regulate the body's internal clock.

If you're thinking about using melatonin for insomnia and you're concerned about its role in your overall health, it's important that you pay attention to released warnings. Experts warn that the effects of melatonin can be dangerous if it's not used according to recommendation. Essentially, the amount of the hormone taken and the time that it's ingested strongly depends on the sleeping disorder in which it's intended to cure. Too much melatonin can have adverse effects.

See Also: Sleep Problems or More Particularily Adult Sleep Problems Can Increase With Age

About The Author:
Nicole Miller is a successful author and regular contributor to sleep-disorders-help.com.