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 Melatonin
Melatonin is a product of the pineal gland, where it
is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Under normal conditions,
Melatonin levels foreshadow the sleep cycle, usually increasing rapidly
from the late evening until midnight, then decreasing as morning approaches.
In this way, Melatonin helps regulate circadian rhythm, the body's 24-hour
"dark-light clock" that governs the timing of hormone production, sleep,
body temperature, and more.
Not surprisingly, people with high levels of Melatonin
usually sleep longer and more soundly than those with a deficiency.
For example, the elderly, who produce less Melatonin than the young
and middle-aged, are typically more susceptible to insomnia. Similarly,
events that throw Melatonin levels out of synch--such as a jet trip
between time zones--seem to interfere with production of the hormone
and thus disrupt sleep. Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics
has a similar effect.
DO NOT TAKE Melatonin if you have an autoimmune
disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, any condition that affects your
lymphatic system, AIDS, osteoarthritis, depression or any other emotional
disorder, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, leukemia, multiple sclerosis,
or serious allergies.
Do not take Melatonin supplements while trying to
conceive a child, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Not for use in children or teenagers
Recommended dosage is 3mg 20 minutes before bedtime
. Each container is approximately a 2 month supply.
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