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| It seems that our pineal glands release melatonin in ever increasing amounts in the evening, possibly in response to decreasing light, promoting the duration and "quality" of sleep. Some reports suggest that as humans age, the pineal gland produces less melatonin; affecting not only the sleeping pattern, but other factors as well. Source Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and is not a part of your daily diet (unless you are in the habit of eating pineal glands!). At puberty, there is a temporary decline, which signals the pituitary to release the sex stimulating hormones. Melatonin is appropriate for supplementation when low melatonin levels are suspected, or when specific conditions are being treated with higher doses. One particular use of melatonin seems to be quite rational; the short-term use of melatonin to overcome jetlag. One Dutch study suggested that 30mg of melatonin daily could even act as a contraceptive. Doses as low as 0.1mg have produced a sedative effect when melatonin levels are low. It has shown itself to be virtually free of any significant adverse effects; a lethal dose of melatonin cannot be identified which is a rare event in toxicology studies. However, more mild side-effects, such as headache, morning sleepiness, fatigue or nightmares, are experienced by average individuals when they try melatonin. Because the body's own production of melatonin is probably the equivalent of only 0.1mg daily, when you take melatonin for sleep, you may tremendously exceed the body's own production. The consequences of doing so on a regular basis are completely unknown. If you take too much melatonin, you may experience the following effects:
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| Breast Cancer Cancer, General Insomnia Jet Lag Susceptibility Low Melatonin Level Prostate Cancer Sarcoidosis Seizure Disorder Tardive Dyskinesia Tendency Toward Postpartum Depression |