Melatonin: Nature's Sleeping Pill (Paperback)

by Ray Sahelian (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
An authority on melatonin distinguishes the facts from the hype concerning the natural hormone, discussing its safety and its possible benefits--including boosting one's immune system and mood, and relieving insomnia. Original. 25,000 first printing. $30,000 ad/promo. IP. "

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Avery; 2 Sub edition (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895297752
• ISBN-13: 978-0895297754
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,427,055 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent review of melaton research, June 22, 1998

By A Customer

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

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative guide to Melatonin, January 6, 2007

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

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.