Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the human brain. Its role in health relates to the sleep-wake cycle and the regulation of many bodily functions. Many people take melatonin supplements to assist with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Also, the antioxidant properties of melatonin may help prevent other diseases such as breast cancer and Parkinson’s, although this claim is controversial. The effectiveness of melatonin for the treatment of jet lag has solid support in the medical community, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Reduces Jet Lag
In the body, melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Traveling across timezones disrupts this cycle, causing insomnia at night, sleepiness and fatigue during the day, and irritability around the clock. Melatonin, when taken in during the first days of travel, reduces the time it takes to get to sleep and also can improve alertness during the day. The Center for Disease Control reminds travelers in its guide to traveler’s health that melatonin is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so some commercial supplements may have impurities.
Promotes Sleep
Generally, taking melatonin supplements promotes sleep by convincing the brain that it is time to rest, despite environmental light levels or body signals such as pain and restlessness. Although the evidence for treating primary insomnia is preliminary, melatonin may help those suffering from sleeplessness as a result of menopause, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Causes Vivid Dreams
Melatonin also has an effect on the quality of dreams in REM sleep. Although many have complained about the increase of nightmares as a side effect when taking this supplement for other reasons, some people take melatonin as a “dream supplement” to purposefully increase the chance of vivid dreams. A 2000 study published in the journal “Sleep and Hypnosis” found that, among college students, taking 6mg of melatonin at night for two weeks significantly increased bizarre dreams.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
The role of antioxidants in preventing disease and the symptoms aging is still controversial but gaining wider acceptance. Melatonin has a strong antioxidant action in the body, neutralizing free radicals in the manner of the vitamins A, C, and E. Researchers from the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research recommend in their 2009 report published in the journal “Molecular Medicine” that “because of its versatility in protecting against nitrooxidative stress and reducing inflammation, melatonin could have significant potential to improve public health.”
Melatonin is safe and non-toxic, but always communicate with your medical provider the use of this and any dietary supplement, especially because of its unregulated status.
About this Author
Ryan Hurd is a writer and consciousness studies researcher living in California. His dream expertise has been featured in the Huffington Post and Psychology Today. Hurd has an M.A. in consciousness studies, and is the author of “Enhance your dream life.”
