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Melatonin May Benefit The Body In More Ways Than Just Sleep
Melatonin is a hormone produced in humans by the pineal gland. This hormone is a regulatory hormone that can help other body parts (organs) function properly. Research suggests that low levels of melatonin have been associated with heart disease.
The link to heart disease is not clear whether melatonin levels are low in response to having heart disease or if low levels of melatonin cause people to develop this condition. Patients with heart disease have been reported to have low melatonin levels, but whether this abnormality increases the risk of heart disease or whether heart disease leads to the low melatonin level is not yet known. Research has discovered other disease as well that may be linked.
Melatonin levels may play a role in the symptoms of anorexia. Some researchers speculate that low melatonin levels in people with anorexia may indicate who is likely to benefit from antidepressant medications (a treatment often used for eating disorders). Both anorexia and bulimia have been associated to low levels of melatonin in the blood stream.
Melatonin supplements may benefit menopausal women by promoting and sustaining sleep. Melatonin should be used with caution in people with depression and should be appropriately timed doctor prescribed medications so that there are no complications between the two. Melatonin is available as tablets, capsules, cream, and lozenges that dissolve under the tongue. Melatonin can cause drowsiness if taken during the day so avoid taking this supplement with out at least 6 hours of rest available.