Natural Factors Melatonin 3mg - 90 Sublingual Tabs

Melatonin

Melatonin regulates the body's sleep/wake cycles. Optimal levels of melatonin allow us to have restful and restorative sleep. Our sleep cycles can be disrupted by things like air travel and shift work, which confuse the body and can change its production of melatonin. Melatonin also cues the body to release growth hormone and sex hormones, which are used during sleep to repair body tissues and normalize hormone levels. The amount of melatonin produced by the body naturally declines as we age. Researchers believe that melatonin may be partly responsible for the aging process because as it declines so do levels of other hormones that allow the body to repair itself.

Additionally melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. Melatonin's antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to all body tissues. Melatonin is recommended by natural health practitioners for insomnia, jet lag, aging, compromised immune function, frequent colds and flus, PMS, memory loss, arteriosclerosis, stroke and Alzheimer's disease.

Insomnia

Insomnia or, habitual sleeplessness, affects approximately one in ten individuals and becomes more common as we age. It can involve the inability to fall asleep or the inability to stay asleep. Causes of insomnia are, use of stimulants like caffeine or antihistamine, evening eating, evening exercise, shift work, an uncomfortable sleep environment, a weak bladder, worry, grief or stress. Chronic insomnia is usually caused by a medical condition such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, restless leg syndrome, arthritis, breathing disorders, indigestion or sleep apnea. Half of all chronic insomniacs suffer from depression or another psychological disorder

We need deep and sound sleep to allow both our bodies and our minds to recuperate from the challenges and (often) stress of our daily lives. When we don't get enough good quality sleep, it affects our body in many ways. Many bodily processes are regulated by sleep for example production of certain neurotransmitters and hormones. If the specific glands and cells do not receive the correct messages produced by sleeping, then the healthy amount of these important substances may not be produced. Depression may result in the case of neurotransmitter deficiency. Fatigue or anxiety may result in the case of insufficient adrenal or thyroid hormones. Feeling tired frequently can reduce someone's enjoyment of life.

Optimizing neurotransmitter production is crucial, as these are the chemical messengers that tell your brain when it's time to go to sleep. Melatonin is a neurohormone that regulates your sleep cycle. Often used for jet lag, it help to "reset" your sleep cycle when it has been disrupted by travel or irregular sleeping. The amino acid 5HTP is the direct precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is partly responsible for sound sleep, healthy mood and for feeling calm. The herb St. John's wort can also help to elevate neurotransmitter levels and can also help reduce anxiety and nervousness. None of these should be taken with recommendation antidepressants.