The Benefits of Melatonin, and Its Many Uses for More Than Just Insomnia
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The Many Uses of Melatonin. Including Cancer, Chemotherapy Side Effects, Autism, Headache, Xanax and Nicotine Withdrawal, Cerebral Palsy, Tumors, and Prostrate
The research has been done on this particular supplement, and has been found to be very effective, in the treatment of insomnia. I myself use it fairly often, as I suffer from insomnia, a very frustrating ailment.
Melatonin is produced naturally in the pineal gland, and converted into melatonin, as a hormone, from Tryptophan. As we age we are less able to convert Tryptophan into melatonin, and why the elderly are usually the most effected by this ailment.
For Insomnia 3mg up to 20mg has been recommended. I have found that 5mg works for me, without next day drowsiness. Start with the lowest dose first, then add as needed, until desired results are achieved.
For insomnia the other recommendations include the following:
1. Turn the lights off, and the TV off. Use room darkening curtains. Melatonin is produced as darkness falls. When light hits our eyes, we are wide awake, it is the bodies signal to be awake. Very helpful for people who work shift work. Limit phone, and social media activity, as the light from phone does disrupt sleep. At least one hour before bedtime.
2. Increase your intake of foods high in tryptophan, two or three hours before bedtime. Foods high in tryptophan include brown rice, whole grains, cottage cheese, meat, nuts, soy, turkey, and dairy products.
3. Calcium 1000mg-2000mg, and Magnesium 400mg-600mg Daily at bedtime. Both are very relaxing, and will help if your brain won't "Turn Off".
4. Read a book, "wind down", warm bath, add lavender. Set up a routine to tell your body "it's time for sleep".
5. Cut back on caffeine. Stop all caffeinated drinks up to 6-7 hours before bedtime. This includes chocolate.
6. Keep exercise, and stimulating activities for early morning, or afternoon.
For more information on insomnia, go to my article for menopause.
⚠*** A word of caution do not give children melatonin, there have been numerous reports of over dose among children. Please consult a physician before use. *** ⚠
Many other uses have been found in recent research concerning the use of Melatonin, and have been shown to be very effective.
Other uses for melatonin are withdrawals from Nicotine. Along with Calcium and magnesium for the inevitable anxiety as well as Gaba, and the herb Lobelia.
For the side effects of Chemotherapy. Including Ginger for nausea, and milk thistle for liver rejuvenation, and to better clear the body of the chemo.
For treatment of tumors. A dosage of 10-50 mg is recommended. Along with betaglucan for its ability to activate killer t cells. Co Q 10, Inositol IP6, for its ability to activate killer T cells. Derived from carniferous vegetables, such as cabbage, and broccoli.
For autism, retardation, cerebral palsy, as well as calcium, and magnesium for their calming effect on the brain.
For cluster headache, a dosage of 10mg is recommended. Other helpful herbs are Butterbur, Feverfew, and thyme. The avoidance of foods containing L-tyramine, an amino acid, has also shown good results. The foods high in L-tyramine include beer, wine, bananas, cheeses, tomatoes, and chocolate. As well as the additives, msg, aspartame, and nitrates.
For anxiety over surgery, although Gaba would be a better choice, as well as calcium, and magnesium.
For prostrate cancer, a dose as high as 20mg has been taken. As well as the herb saw palmetto. Shown to prevent prostrate cancer. Turmeric has been shown to actually control the cancer cells that cause it.
For benzodiazepines withdrawal (Xanax). In a dose of 2mg for 6 weeks, while weaning off of said drug. Gaba works as well. See my article on anxiety, and depression.
⚠****A word of caution, do not give melatonin to children. Numerous incidents have been reported of overdose in children. Calcium would be a better choice***⚠
.*****Consult a physician in the treatment of your health concerns. Incorporate your physician in your plan.*****
References: Published in the National Library of Medicine 12/20/2005
https://books.google.com/books/about/Nutrition
Published in Medline Plus, 12/24/2011http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/940.html
Other information vitamin shoppe.com/ health guides
My training in pharmacy
1 quick dissolve tablet, an hour before bedtime, as needed, for insomnia. Do not give to children.
Recommended Supplements
Recommended Reading
My Daily Regimen
Since contracting Lupus, I have utilized many of the supplements, and protocols mentioned in my articles. Start with a good foundation. A good multi vitamin, no iron, D3, B12, and an Omega 3 fatty acid. Choose either a gummy, capsule, liquid, or quick dissolve formula. Hard pressed pills, aren't utilized as effectively. Improve diet, exercise, drinking plenty of filtered water, and fresh air are a solid foundation to maintain, or improve health.
Music, Creativity, Art, and Aroma are also very healing. Creativity includes cooking. Trying new recipes, new Flavors, reading, aroma, rewarding the senses, and mind.
15 minutes a day of music, improves moods, and restores mental health. Most effective was Upbeat, and positive, as well as Jazz. Proven by science.
Add one supplement for a specific disease, or condition. If there is a reaction, discontinue use. The last supplement that was added, will be the culprit of the reaction. Always check for interactions, and side affects before starting any supplement, or therapy.
Music Research:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8566759/
**** I am not a physician, this is only recommendations from holistic doctors. All have been used with good results. It is best to consult a pharmacist, or physician concerning your health.***
My Daily Vitamins for Maintenance
Sherrie Gill
Always Check for Interaction, and Side Effects, before starting any supplement, or therapy
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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
© 2012 Sherrie Gill
Comments
Sherrie Gill (author) from Hobart, In on April 11, 2013:
Thank you, adding calcium is a good idea. Helps to calm the body, as well as building bones.
Emilie Peck from Minneapolis, MN on April 11, 2013:
Great hub! Very good tips. I think I'll add calcium to my nighttime ritual. Magnesium has proven to be helpful in boosting energy levels, since I've started taking it.
Sherrie Gill (author) from Hobart, In on August 23, 2012:
The Xanax was tapered off, never stop cold turkey. It has to be dosed down. The melatonin should be taken at night, about 2 hours before bedtime, I would spread them out, as they both are sedating, by two hours.
Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on August 23, 2012:
Very interesting. I take from this that it is not harmful to take Xanax and Melatonin together, (I think you are saying that) so what about benedryl or antihistamine taken with this? This time of year I need the antihistamine for allergies in the air, would Melatonin be safe with other medications that may cause drowsiness?
Sherrie Gill (author) from Hobart, In on August 23, 2012:
It is amazing what natural medicine can do, even beyond our own understanding
Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on August 23, 2012:
I had no idea melatonin was useful in so many situations. Very interesting! Voted up and shared.
