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We consulted the Alternative Medicine > Herbal Remedies section of Yahoo! Health for the inside dope on melatonin. This natural hormone is produced by the pineal gland and regulates the body's sleep cycle -- melatonin levels in the human body rise during the evening and abate during the morning. Not surprisingly, a melatonin supplement, available without prescription in tablets or capsules, has proved useful in combating insomnia, as well as jet lag and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As you get older, you stop producing as much -- this is why
the elderly are especially susceptible to insomnia. While melatonin is a relatively popular drug amongst nighttime tossers and turners, there are a lot of caveats associated with it. In general, you shouldn't take it if you're pregnant or suffer from an autoimmune disease, but check this page for the complete list of precautions. In terms of side effects, the FAQ at Melatonin Central claims that according to one report, "10 percent of the users said the hormone did nothing for them, and another 10 percent complained of side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning groginess, mild depression, and low sex
drive." Needless to say, operating heavy machinery after taking melatonin is a big no-no.
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