LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Melatonin: Sleep
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Melatonin is an important nighttime hormone associated with sleep and regeneration. However, excessive levels or daytime melatonin can cause depressive disorders. Medical research confirms the relationship between melatonin and mood disorders. The following paragraphs explain how melatonin works and why it causes depression.
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Melatonin pills are commonly available in dosages from from 1-3mg. It is recommended to begin with a small dose and increase the dosage if necessary. Since melatonin is most effective when taken within 30 minutes of going to sleep, it should only be taken at night.
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Melatonin is a naturally occurring chemical substance present in most foods, including rice, barley, corn and meat. Melatonin has ... been shown to be produced by the pineal gland in the brain. melatonin plays a role in supporting the biological clock’s natural wake-sleep cycle.
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Melatonin can exhibit strong effects on the reproductive system, and the activity of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone is closely tied with its regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Abnormal biological rhythms and sleep-wake cycle disturbances are often a primary feature of periodic depression, another common characteristic of PMS. Melatonin imbalances have been specifically linked to PMS.
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Melatonin's main use has been to regulate sleep and circadian rhythms and allow the individual to feel more refreshed and alert the following day. As melatonin is directly involved with sleep regulation, the supplement's use in the treatment of age-related sleep disorders, jet lag or shift work is impressive. Furthermore, melatonin has ... been shown to improve the condition of Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD).
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Tjon Pian Gi, C. V., Broeren, J. P., Starreveld, J. S., and Versteegh, F. G. Melatonin for treatment of sleeping disorders in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a preliminary open label study. Eur.J Pediatr. 2003;162(7-8):554-555.
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