Melatonin

I get such an endorphin rush, BEFORE I even start working out when I am writing in my little journal that has my workouts and runs! I LOVE THAT! I NEVER get sick of planning my workouts and runs! Wednesday I had an amazing workout! I did lots of upper body and core. I woke up this morning and went to put on deodorant and OUCHY! My triceps were sore! YIPPIE! My energy level in the gym was through the roof yesterday. I KNOW it's from incorporating some different new things!

Last night for dinner I sauteed onion & garlic in grape seed oil, added 3 large diced zucchini, and a whole head of cauliflower chopped. I then added 1 tbsp dulse (sea veggie) along with 1 tbsp hemp seeds, and 1 few tbsps of vegan low-sodium broth for flavor. I had mine over two veggie burgers, and Mario had his with a juicy piece of fillet mignon (YUK!).  I love zucchini because of all its benefits, but also because it's loaded with water so you get full rather quickly. For my yummy snack, I had Vegan chocolate chips along with goji berries, and sunflower seeds.

Then I took a little 1mg melatonin, and off to sleep I went! Have you used Melatonin? Heard of it?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland of all mammals, including humans. The pineal gland is a small, light-sensitive organ located in the brain that secretes melatonin only during darkness. Humans begin producing melatonin as early as 3 months old. The production of melatonin increases until about age 20 at which point melatonin production begins to decrease.


Melatonin affects a number of processes in humans such as sleep and temperature. Melatonin also appears to play a role in the promotion of growth and maturity.

Low levels of melatonin in humans have been associated with depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, some seizure disorders, and other conditions.



Here are some uses and benefits to Melatonin...
In the United States, melatonin is used in connection with a variety of conditons including sleep disturbances often associated with jet lag. Although it is not recognized as a prescription drug, melatonin has been assigned a special designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an orphan drug. Melatonin is used in connection with blind individuals who suffer from sleep disturbances caused by interruptions in daily rhythm. Melatonin can be purchased without a prescription.

Melatonin can effectively help with:
•Individuals who are trying to stop smoking.

•Prevent cluster headaches in individuals who suffer from this type of headaches.

•Protect against ultraviolet light and sunburn.

There are a number of user submitted melatonin product reviews and ratings available at NutritionalTree.com.


Supplemental melatonin should be synthetic since organic melatonin derived from animals carries the risk of possible contamination with viruses and other toxins. Because of concerns with contamination and safety, some countries prohibit the sale of melatonin supplements or restrict their use.



In the U.S., melatonin is most readily available as capsules and tablets some in controlled-release forms that deliver measured doses of melatonin over extended periods of time. It also comes in a tablet that dissolves under the tongue. Although dosing for melatonin is not consistent, common recommendations for its use include:

•For insomnia: 0.3mg to 5mg at bedtime.

•For jet lag: 0.5mg to 5mg at bedtime for up to 5 days, beginning on the day of arrival at the destination.

•For benzodiazepine withdrawal: 2mg controlled-release daily at bedtime for 6 weeks as the benzodiazepine dose is gradually decreased.

•For smoking cessation: 0.3mg 3 1/2 hours after the last cigarette.

•The length of melatonin use varies considerably. In clinical studies, melatonin has been used for as long as 9 months, but most commonly it is used for only a few days or weeks at a time. If you choose to use melatonin, follow exactly the directions on the package of the product you purchase