Customer Reviews

Melatonin: Nature's Sleeping Pill

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Ray Sahelian has always been able to put a complex subject into laymans hands. This book is another example of looking through all the research and pulling out the main facts to share with the general public. He even quoted my research on Melatonin and Seasonal Depression in the circum-polar north and explianed it smooth as glass. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand how melatonin effects ones sleep patterns

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland. It assists in setting and controlling the clock that regulates the body's natural rhythms. Supplementation is useful for inducing sleep and curing jet lag. In this regard, the substance enhances the REM phase of sleep. But it has other benfits as examined by the author in this highly readable book.

Since melatonin secretion declines with age, supplementation boosts the immune system by restoring the function of the thymus gland and increasing the production of T-cells, as numerous studies have shown. It is also a very potent anti-oxidant or scavenger of harmful free radicals. Because of the small size of the molecule, it penetrates where other anti-oxidants cannot, protecting the mitochondria and cellular DNA.

In particular, it is a powerful scavenger of hydroxyl, one of the most harmful free radicals. Various clinical studies reveal that the hormone boosts the body's anti-tumor activity and enhance the immune system in general. It also seems to stimulate the body's natural anti-oxidant systems in various ways. Other benefits may include the reduction of blood pressure and the prevention of migraine headaches.

The author mentions its side effects, one of which is vivid dreaming. Others may include depression, grogginess, lethargy and depression. Sahelian cautions against the regular, prolonged use of melatonin and believes that tolerance may develop.

This highly informative book is an easy read because of the author's gift for translating medical terminology into everyday language. I also recommend his other books such as Pregnenolone: Nature's Feel-Good Hormone, DHEA: A Practical Guide, and Mind Boosters: A Guide To Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind, Memory And Mood.

Too bad that there aren't recent books on melatonin because I am sure that research has advanced quite a bit since 1999. Also a pity that melatonin doesn't seem to be sold over the counter in Europe. Here in France you can maybe get it from your doctor but only in case he thinks that you need it or that he believes in it! I feel that this book introduces a lot of possibilities but then the author keeps pointing out that more research is needed so I finished the book without really knowing what to think about melatonin. Is it really a solution for many problems, isn't it? Does it have side effects, doesn't it? No idea!

I found it interesting that the author seems to find vivid dreams so important... I say this because normally speaking I dream quite a lot and I find it tiring. It is as if I spend my nights living a second life, one where I have no say in the matter! I would prefer not to dream but I can't stop my dreams.

Interesting that Melatonin was first researched in Switzerland, next door to us but one can't buy it over the counter there either! Also interesting to see that the author still speaks quite a bit about low fat milk, yogurt, cottage cheese.... I think that nowadays we have greatly lost the fear of fats, or are in the process of losing it! We also know that blood cholesterol is not affected by what we eat. Anyway, old people need the cholesterol because if it is too low in the brain they have more chances of suffering from dementia.

Much of the research was done on animals and people using melatonin seem have to find out for themselves what works and what doesn't, how much to take, when.... I think that we need a book with more certainties and if it is indeed as good as this book makes us believe and harmless too, then it should maybe be sold over the counter! Anyway.... As it is not easy to get any here I don't think that I will be trying it soon although it could maybe help with my insomnia. And I have recently heard that mixing melatonin with coconut oil might help against basil cell carcinoma!