Melatonin 5 mg - New Roots Herbal 

DESCRIPTION

Melatonin is used as a natural sleep aid and treatment for insomnia.

 
Melatonin is not the major regulator of normal sleep patterns, but undoubtedly has a major effect. One topic that has generated a large amount of interest using melatonin alone, or in combination with phototherapy, is to treat sleep disorders. There is some indication that melatonin levels are lower in elderly insomniacs relative to age-matched noninsomniacs, and melatonin therapy in such cases appears modestly beneficial in correcting the problem. Another sleep disorder is seen in shift workers, who often find it difficult to adjust working at night and sleeping during the day; the utility of melatonin therapy to alleviate this problem is equivocal and appears not to be as effective as phototherapy. Still another condition involving disruption of circadian rhythms is jet lag; in this case, it has repeatedly been demonstrated that taking melatonin close to the target bedtime of the destination can alleviate symptoms—melatonin has the greatest beneficial effect when jet lag is predicted to be worst (e.g. crossing many time zones). In various species including humans, administration of melatonin has been shown to decrease motor activity, induce fatigue, and lower body temperature, particularly at high doses. The effect on body temperature may play a significant role in melatonin’s ability to entrain sleep-wake cycles, as in patients with jet lag.

Where Does It Come From?
The pineal gland, or epiphysis, synthesizes and secretes melatonin, a structurally simple hormone that communicates information about environmental lighting to various parts of the body. Ultimately, melatonin has the ability to entrain biological rhythms and has important effects on the reproductive function of many animals. The light-transducing ability of the pineal gland has led some to call the pineal the “third eye.” The pineal gland is a small organ shaped like a pinecone (hence its name). It is located on the midline and attached to the posterior end of the roof of the third ventricle in the brain.

Travelling
Travellers now have the option of taking melatonin to help counteract the effects that flying has on getting a good night’s sleep. Taking melatonin to reduce jet lag is probably the safest and best-tested use of the hormone to date. In using melatonin during travel, the goal to be in bed and asleep during the normal scheduled hours of where it is you’re going is finally achieved.

DIRECTIONS OF USE
Adults: Take ½–2 tablets daily or as directed by your health-care practitioner. Take once a day, at or before bedtime. Do not drive or use machinery for 5 hours after taking melatonin. For jet lag: Take once a day at bedtime after darkness has fallen, while travelling and at destination, until adaptation to the new daily pattern, on occasional short-term use. For sleep restriction/altered sleep schedule; for delayed sleep phase disorder; and to restore sleep-wake cycle: Consult a health-care practitioner for use beyond 4 weeks.

WARNINGS
Contains no: Gluten, soy, wheat, corn, eggs, dairy, yeast, citrus, preservatives, artificial flavour or colour, starch, or sugar.

Cautions and warnings: Consumption with alcohol, other medications, or natural health products with sedative properties is not recommended. Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use if you are taking anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, blood-pressure medication, immunosuppressive medications, sedatives, hypnotic or psychotropic medications, or steroids. Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use if you have asthma, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, depression, diabetes or hypoglycaemia, hormonal disorder, immune system disease, liver disease, migraine, or seizure disorders. Sleep restriction/altered sleep schedule; delayed sleep phase disorder; sleep-wake cycle: Consult your health-care practitioner if symptoms persist continuously for more than 4 weeks (chronic insomnia).

Contraindications: Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Known adverse reactions: Mild gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or cramping) have been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use. Rare allergic reactions have been known to occur; in which case, discontinue use.

Keep out of reach of children. Store in a dark and dry place.