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"Melatonin Can Regulate Your Body's Internal Clock, Allowing Sleep"
[Top] As darkness approaches, your body senses that bedtime is near and ramps up production of this hormone. In fact, you have sensors in your eye's retinas, which, even with your eyes closed, are able to determine that a light is on. This info is relayed to the pineal gland, which incorrectly interprets this to mean it is still daylight and production of this hormone is reduced. Basically, this is why it is important to have a dark environment as you prepare for sleep. Also, the temperature of the room you are sleeping in influences its production. Therefore, the cooler the room, the more of this hormone your body produces. Additionally, any other stimulus, such as sound, interferes with its production, so keep that TV off as you prepare for sleep. [Top] There are several reasons why you may need to take it. First of all, as part of the aging process, the neurotransmitters in the brain lose their ability to push chemicals across the synapses. Second, its potency weakens as you get older, indicating you may need additional supplementation as you age. In fact, Melatonin's potency is greatest at age 5, and declines from there on. Unfortunately, you lose up to 80 percent of your body's original levels when you reach 60. At age twenty, Melatonin production averages around 80 picograms per milliliter; at age 60, those levels decline to 10. Finally, as a supplement, it helps adjust your body's internal clock, helping you to better sleep. [Top] The dosage varies between 0.5 milligrams and 5 milligrams. You may have to experiment a bit to determine what works best for you.* [Top] Side effects associated with this hormone may include sleepiness in the daytime, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and headaches. Be advised that many commercial product's recommended dosage may be as much as 20 times the amount produced in your body. Melatonin may prove to be a useful sleep aid for many of you. It is an important hormone that helps regulate your body's internal clock. In conclusion, just remember that you may not need supplementation, as you may be able to increase production by making changes in your environment. *Reference Subscribe to the Home Remedies Blog by clicking on this link:  Return From Melatonin to Home Page
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