Melatonin - The Body's Natural Sleep Aid
Melatonin is a naturally produced hormone that the body generates after nightfall. This hormone is directly manufactured by the pineal gland, which is found in the center of the brain. Melatonin is responsible for the way our body regulates its natural course of sleep cycles and in this respect, works hand in hand with the body’s Circadian Rhythm. The Circadian Rhythm is the body’s inherent internal clock which regulates when the body awakes, eats, exercises, and sleeps.
Certain factors can abnormally disrupt the production of melatonin in the body. Often, these factors are stress induced and just a few of these examples include migraine headaches, acute and chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, and even parasomnias. With the exception of migraine headaches, any of these other conditions can be classified as sleep disorders. Classic examples of a sleep disorder can include a strong feeling of being always tired, no matter the amount of sleep a person has received; or continual tossing and turning while trying to achieve a good night’s sleep. .
While melatonin is produced naturally within the body, when its production is interrupted it is often necessary to replace or encourage its production with a supplement. There are two forms of melatonin available, one being of animal derivation and the other synthetic. The later is recommended for human consumption as the former may also contain other potentially hazardous ingredients. Melatonin should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing, healthy children, or people suffering from an immune related illness. If a person has questions concerning the consumption of melatonin, it is usually a good idea to discuss its use with your physician. Most physician’s recognize the benefits that melatonin can offer their patients.
The most common and successful type of melatonin supplement is in the form of natural sleep aids. Some of the most effective natural sleep aids available contain not only the melatonin synthetic hormone, but also include other beneficial natural herbal ingredients such as kava, Chinese licorice root, toronjil, passion flower, vitamin b6, chamomile, anise, and valerian root. The use of these natural sleep aids not only help the body in revitalizing the production of melatonin itself, but also in bringing the body’s Circadian cycle back into a normal and natural balance. By utilizing these above mentioned ingredients, the body is better able to re-establish healthy patterns of rest without the concern of the harmful side effects that are usually associated with prescription medications intended to induce sleep.
