Human beings and other animals produce melatonin through the pineal gland, which is located outside the blood-brain barrier. In most the lens and retina also make melatonin.

In addition to a living creature or organism producing melatonin, it can also be biologically produced/grown.  This synthetic melatonin is most commonly used in the supplements available for purchase in most health food and drug stores. It is strongly suggested, based on current available research, that ‘harvested’ melatonin (such as that from Algae) be avoided due to other chemicals that may still be living in them. These other chemicals can cause serious side effects and complications.

Artificially synthesized melatonin that is infused into the system via supplements has proven to be a very effective way of increasing the total amount of melatonin present in the body.

The human brain has a temperature regulator called the hypothalamus which contains SCN. The SCN receives information from the retina about how a body is handling the process of day and night and how the circadian rhythm should influence the body. Melatonin is secreted by non-image based information of light pattern.

In many organisms, lymph cells and cells of bone marrow have also been known to produce melatonin. These are the peripheral cells in action.

We have mentioned the ‘circadian rhythm’ numerous times on this site. As you likely know by now the circadian rythm regulates your sleep cycle. How does the body get to know when the time to sleep is and how to adjust for the biological and seasonal internal clocks? Well, the function of melatonin defines the clock. The difference in the amount and span of melatonin production determines when you will feel tired and when you won’t. When your body feels time for you to be awake, very little melatonin will be present in the body; likewise, when your body feels it is time for you to be asleep, your body will increase melatonin production and induce drowsiness.

Seasonal factors also have an effect on sleep cycles.  Your body automatically adjusts the circadian rhythm and thus the melatonin production to compensate for the long nights of winter and the short nights of summer.

Maintaining the biological clock is clearly the most important function of the chemical. Its presence falls during daytime and is heightened in production during the evening and well into the night. Then again, as the day approaches, production drastically decreases.

Melatonin helps in the antioxidant related need of the body. Antioxidants reverse free radical damage and also cut out the chances of carcinogens destroying the DNA’s. This prevents cancer to a great degree. Antioxidants are also great means of flushing out body toxins and raising body metabolism. Melatonin production also aids the immunity levels present in the body. These are also known to boost the fight against autism.

Melatonin is a hormone generated by the body to set and regulate the time patterns of the circadian rhythm. As a bonus, it is also great for the purpose of fighting against free radical damage to the body which is known to cause cancer. By fighting this damage, your body is helping ward off one the few known causes of cancer.

Currently there are no dosage guidelines that have been accepted and adopted across the supplement industry.  This does not mean, however, that we can’t get great information on what melatonin dosages are best. You can receive information about dosing  sizes by reviewing clinical trial data as well as the information on this site. 

The most common doses available range from 3 to 5 mg and are intended to be used once per day, right before sleep. Currently there is not a government or federal reccomended dosing size for Melatonin so, as a rule of thumb, we suggest starting with the smallest dosage size (after consulting with your doctor) and only increasing after continued consultations with a physician.

Most sleep disorder and insomnia treatments are not intended to be taken on a long term basis, melatonin is no different. It is recommended that you only take it when it is absolutely necessary and that you avoid overusing it as your body will build up an immunity, which forces you to take larger doses for it to remain effective.  For many people, a few weeks on melatonin is enough to establish a strong circadian rythm that will hold even after melatonin usage is discontinued.

Which Melatonin should I Buy?

Melatonin should be purchased only from trusted sources.  There can be significant side effects if poorly or cheaply manufactured Melatonin is purchased and consumed.  The only version that we take and reccomend is Melatrol.  The benefits of Melatrol include:

• The highest quality, all-natural ingredients guarantee a full night of sleep with no side effects or groggy feelings in the morning.
• Manufactured in certified and accredited facilities in the US.  This ensures that it is safe and reliable.
• The restful sleep provided ensures no frequent waking or stirring in the night.
• Wakeup up feeling energizes and ready to start a new day.
• The full night of rest is proven to relieve daytime stress, anxiety, and drowsiness.

For just a few cents per night, you can quickly and easily relieve all of your sleep problems – a great deal. Update:  Amazon has just lowered the price on Natrol Melatonin; each pill costs only 6 cents.  Take advantage of this unbelievable deal while it lasts by clicking here.

Dr. Rutledge, known for reviews of prescriptions and supplements, states ”Melatonin helps us sleep.  I like Melatonin.” Taking Melatrol Melatonin will help you sleep – period.  It is made from the highest quality ingredients so there are no worries.  Purchase Natrol Melatonin on Amazon.

Melatonin Manufacturing Details

Melatonin is considered a herbal or natural supplement.  As such it does not go through the rigorous testing and trials that the FDA performs on prescription drugs.  So, you need to be absolutely careful and sure that you trust the manufacturer of the supplement you are taking.  Always look for the symbol “USP” as this identies products that have been independently tested and certified that the correct ingredients and quantities were used. Natrol, Schiff, and Source Naturals are the only Melatonin brands we recommend and trust, as they are made from the high-quality natural ingredients and manufactured in the United States.

There are some side effects of Melatonin that are a byproduct of poor quality ingredients and supplements. Some of these side effects include nausea and vomiting, dizziness and abdomen pain. The more significant side effects of poor quality Melatonin supplements include withdrawal symptoms and depression.

Some of the natural products available are ‘harvested’ from the pineal glands of farm animals such as cows or sheep. The problem with the naturally harvest products is that they can easily and unknowingly contain contaminants that could cause side effects and complications.  Because it is difficult to tell if the product you are taking is synthetically produced or harvested from farm animals, we again recommend Natrol, Schiff, and Source Naturals for safety and quality.

Melatonin is a great supplement and we have heard many success stories and very few complaints or issues when users take the Melatrol manufactured product.  You should always talk to your doctor or physician before taking any supplements, medicines or OTC drugs.