melatonin every day ?

I like to take .05 to1mg every night, I find it helps me get to sleep faster.
Some info
http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle...rition_sjde.htm

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland. As our bodies age, the level of melatonin production goes down. The secretion of melatonin is also affected by light, more is produced in the darkness and it is inhibited by daylight. The hormone works by causing sleepiness and lowering your body temperature much as natural drowsiness does.

Many researchers believe this is why, as we grow older, we sleep less. It would also explain why people feel sleepier during the winter months when the daylight hours are shorter.

Melatonin first hit the market as a nutritional supplement in the early 1990s. Advertisements and word of mouth made melatonin an instant success as a sleeping aid. A small dose of melatonin at bedtime is said to insure a restful night. Several scientific studies have reinforced this belief and many scientists believe that a .3 to 1.0 mg dose taken orally will benefit sleep problems.

Since the introduction of oral melatonin, several other beneficial claims have been made. Most remain unproven except in animal studies.

As with sleep problems, melatonin is promoted as a way of overcoming jet lag. Studies have shown that it does have an effect if you are crossing more than five time zones. Its use is more beneficial on a west to east trip, say from Chicago to London. Melatonin has little effect on trips from east to west. On trips of less than five time zones, researchers have found melatonin to have even less effect.

As an anti-oxidant, melatonin is reputed to be an effective free radical scavenger. The reduction of melatonin produced in the elderly may suggest why they are more susceptible to tissue damage from free radicals.

Based on studies in animals, many scientists believe that melatonin can help inhibit certain types of cancers, including breast, lung, prostate and brain. In the case of breast cancer, laboratory studies suggest that melatonin acts much like estrogen therapy reducing the start of cancerous growths.

There have been several studies that suggest that melatonin inhibits reproduction, therefore suggesting it may be a more natural way of birth control. This appears to work better in men than women as melatonin in lab studies showed a decrease in sperm count among male rats.

The proponents of melatonin as an oral supplement insist that its use is safe and effective. Since melatonin is a nutritional supplement and not a drug, its use is not regulated by the FDA. Many European countries and Canada have banned over the counter sales, and require a doctor's proscription for distribution.

The most recent studies suggest that Melatonin seems safe for those not taking other medications, are not pregnant or breastfeeding and are otherwise healthy adults.

You should not take melatonin without consulting your doctor if you suffer from migraines, depression, have an eye disease or if you need to remain alert in your profession. Those who operate heavy machinery or drive or fly should not take melatonin as drowsiness could put their lives or others at risk.

Because of concerns with virus that are transmitted through animal products, you should make sure that the melatonin product you choose is synthetically made. Known short-term side effects are minor and include headaches, giddiness, unclear thought patterns and nausea. Long-term side effects are still unknown.

thanks moto great read i think im going to start off with a smaller mg0.5 tp 1 mg like you posted its in the afternoon of the same day and im just getting over hangover feeling ouch

I took 6mg once felt groggy next day.

melatonin is a very powerful chemical. my only advise is to not underestimate the affect on you melatonin/ serotonin cycle. You should cycle melatonin over extended (10-16 weeks or so) cycles. My advise would be to cycle melatonin while nights are shorter (summer) and take the winter off while natural levels tend to be higher.

I'v been doing some reading and have came across literature that says melatonin negatively affects Testosterone levels. Any basis to this? Any thoughts?

the literature is not really full of references to a negative effect of melatonin on test levels. i did see one study that observed a reduction in test in aging men only. there are several animal studies the showed an increase in test and a preservation of testicular function.

jb