Melatonin Health Benefits
Uses
Melatonin is a natural hormone that appears to have only minor side effects. For this reason, researchers have tested it for use as a natural supplement in several medical conditions, including:.
Sleep disorders
Natural melatonin lets the body know that it is time to sleep. Melatonin supplements have had varying success in treating sleep problems.
A 2013 meta-analysis of studies suggested that melatonin helps improve sleep duration, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and improve the quality of sleep compared to a placebo.
While melatonin does not work as effectively as some sleep aids, it has fewer side effects than other drugs.
In another review of studies from 2014, melatonin showed promise for preventing shifts in sleep and wake times in people with jet lag and improving sleep in people with insomnia. The benefits of the supplement in shift workers and healthy adults were less clear.
Headaches
There is evidence that melatonin can relieve some headaches.
In particular, it may be useful for migraine and cluster headaches. However, researchers do not know which formula and dose might work best for people with headaches.
Cancer
Some clinical studies of colon, breast, renal, brain, and lung cancer suggest that melatonin might support cancer treatment when a person takes it alongside chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
However, the evidence is far from definitive, and scientists need to carry out more research to confirm the link.
The available evidence suggests that melatonin may help combat cancer when it starts, multiplies, and progresses. There are many ways in which this supplement may work on cancer.
Anyone wanting to take melatonin should discuss it with their cancer doctor, or oncologist, to make sure it will not interfere with their cancer treatments
Researchers are trying to pinpoint its specific actions but suggest it holds a lot of promise.
Alzheimer’s disease
Melatonin levels decrease with age. However, this reduction is more pronounced in people with Alzheimer’s disease. A 2013 study found that melatonin appears to slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s.
Tinnitus
The findings of a 2014 study suggested that melatonin might slightly improve the symptoms of tinnitus. This effect may be due to improved sleep or the antioxidant properties of melatonin.
Protection from Radioactivity
Radiation therapy plays a key role in treating many types of cancer. However, it is toxic and can cause severe side effects. Much of the damage radiation causes is due to harmful substances called free radicals.
Melatonin is an antioxidant that helps combat the damaging effects of free radicals, plus it has anticancer effects. Some research suggests that it might provide benefits for people who receive radiation therapy during cancer treatment.
Other Health Benefits:
Taking melatonin may help with a few different health conditions, including:
Jet lag
Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD)
Sleep problems in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism
Anxiety before and after surgery
One report suggests that melatonin may also provide the following benefits by:
Protecting the heart by reducing blood pressure in people with insomnia
Having protective effects against cancer and enhancing the impact of cancer treatments
Reducing stroke damage
Reducing the damaging effects of obesity on the body by lowering inflammation
Slowing mental decline in people with dementia
However, more research will be necessary to prove these benefits in clinical trials.
Conclusions
Melatonin has many functions within the human body, most of which we are yet to understand. Based on current research, it is most helpful for sleep issues, such as jet lag, as well as for anxiety.
It also seems that melatonin might be useful in the treatment of some illnesses.
Dr. Birken’s office carries a pharmaceutical grade melatonin and suggest starting at 3 mg before bed and increasing till one reaches an effective dose for sleep.
Dr. Birken takes 9 mg before bed. Some patients only need 3 and some require even higher doses.
Contact Erica@drbirken.com