Product: Melatonin

Company: Quest

Size: 90 tablets

Ingredients: Melatonin 3 mg, Non-medicinal ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phophate, stearic acid, vegetable magnesium stearate.

Dosage: One tablet daily or as recommended by a health professionel. For sleep disorders: Take up to three tablets daily or as directed by a health professional. For jet lag: Take up to two tablets daily or as directed by a helath professional.

Description: What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your body's pineal (pih-knee-uhl) gland. This is a pea-sized gland located just above the middle of the brain. During the day the pineal is inactive. When the sun goes down and darkness occurs, the pineal is "turned on" by the SCN and begins to actively produce melatonin, which is released into the blood. Usually, this occurs around 9 pm. As a result, melatonin levels in the blood rise sharply and you begin to feel less alert. Sleep becomes more inviting. Melatonin levels in the blood stay elevated for about 12 hours - all through the night - before the light of a new day when they fall back to low daytime levels by about 9 am. Daytime levels of melatonin are barely detectable.

Besides adjusting the timing of the clock, bright light has another effect. It directly inhibits the release of melatonin. That is why melatonin is sometimes called the "Dracula of hormones" - it only comes out in the dark. Even if the pineal gland is switched "on" by the clock, it will not produce melatonin unless the person is in a dimly lit environment. In addition to sunlight, artificial indoor lighting can be bright enough to prevent the release of melatonin. The amount of melatonin released at night varies among individuals, but it is somewhat related to age. Children on average secrete more melatonin than adults, which decreases further with age. When taken in low doses at the appropriate time, melatonin can help advance or delay the sleep-wake cycle.

Warning: May cause headache, transient depression, daytime fatigue, daytime drowsiness, reduced alertness, abdominal cramps, or irritability. Consult a health professional prior to use if you have cerebral palsy, diabetes, liver disease, seizure disorders, depression and/or hypertension or if you are taking blood pressure medications. Do not use if you are taking immunosupressive drugs. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Do not drive or use machinery for 5 hours after taking melatonin.