Anyone have any positive results with Melatonin ?

[tellboy]

Not much info on Answerbank on this .I understand this tablet helps with sleep and sleep patterns. It seems a bit worrying that it only seems available online and not at Health Food Stores and not cheap (perhaps I am wrong here ). Also how is it obtained ? Is it animal tissue extract . But basically does it work ?

[Clanad]

As a long haul pilot for many years, I've used melatonin for help with jet lag on layovers. It is effective, in my experience. I take it about 30 minutes before going to bed, fall asleep almost immediately and have no noticeable side effects. I know it to be used by many crews. Latest research indicates its use, under controlled settings, by children afflicted with cerebral palsy, autism and other such conditions. I use a product avialable at health food stores here in the U.S. It contains 3mg of synthetically produced melatonin. Melatonin, by the way, is produced naturally by the pineal gland. Its production diminishes with age so the product appears to be more effective on older (above 30 years) individuals. It is produced synthetically as well as from animal extracts (usually sheep). The synthetically produced product is more controlled and contains fewer impurtities. It's not expensive here, usually about $8, U.S. for a 60 tablet bottle. Few research papers have been produced, but it has been in use for many years with few ill reports. It shouldn't be used for long term, continous use...

[chazza]

I have also successfully used it to cure jetlag and also when i can't sleep at night.

Basically it works by making your body think that it is time to sleep and your brain releases the corresponding chemicals.

I think its illegal to sell it in the UK, we always got it in the US

[Buenchico]

Melatonin seems to work for some people but not for others. Radio 4's Woman's Hour recently broadcast an item about melatonin. It's 6 minutes long and can be heard (as longer as you have Peal Player) by clicking the link here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2005_41_wed_04.sh tml

There have been many studies of the effects of melatonin, some of which are summarised in this rather technical document:
http://www.priory.com/mel.htm
(It should be noted that the reference to melatonin being available in health food shops is no longer valid due to regulatory changes). Perhaps the most significant quote from that document is this one: "It is not recommended that melatonin should be taken unless prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner".

The Medicines Control Agency seeks to prosecute firms who supply melatonin via the internet:
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/313/7058/645


Chris

[crisgal]

you might find this useful:

www.familydoctor.org/258.xml

[mw]

melatonin is a natural product which helps you to relax more and have a easier time getting to sleep.

My child has adhd (10)and uses it and it does work and he has been on it long term with no problems, he does however have a weeks break every 6 months or so.