Melatonin
What is this known for?
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the brain that helps to regulate sleep and wakefulness. Over the counter sales of melatonin can be used to help to regulate one's circadian rhythm and may improve sleep quality. Melatonin is most commonly used to help decrease jet lag and adjust sleep cycles.
Why are we using it in Power Off?
Function #1: Melatonin regulates sleep/wake cycles and reduces sleep latency.
Melatonin regulates sleep via two different melatonin receptors in the brain, MT1 and MT2. MT2 receptors help with facilitating changes in the circadian rhythm (phase shifting), while the MT1 receptors exert suppressive actions on cell activation. Regulating phase shifting is important for people suffering from jet lag, irregular sleep cycles, or insomnia. A study showed that Melatonin was effective in reducing symptoms of insomnia such as sleep latency, which helps people fall asleep faster.
Dubocovich M. Melatonin receptors: Role on sleep and circadian rhythm regulation. Sleep Medicine. 2007;8:34-42. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2007.10.007.
Liu C, Weaver D, Jin X et al. Molecular Dissection of Two Distinct Actions of Melatonin on the Suprachiasmatic Circadian Clock. Neuron. 1997;19(1):91-102. doi:10.1016/s0896-6273(00)80350-5.
Luthringer R, Muzet M, Zisapel N, Staner L. The effect of prolonged-release melatonin on sleep measures and psychomotor performance in elderly patients with insomnia. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2009;24(5):239-249. doi:10.1097/yic.0b013e32832e9b08.
Function #2: Melatonin improves sleep quality in individuals
Poor sleep quality and non-restorative sleep are increasingly being recognized as symptoms for insomnia. Melatonin is widely thought to improve sleep quality. A study using prolonged release melatonin showed that subjects reported significantly increased sleep quality and morning alertness without withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing use.
Lemoine P, Nir T, Laudon M, Zisapel N. Prolonged-release melatonin improves sleep quality and morning alertness in insomnia patients aged 55 years and older and has no withdrawal effects. Journal of Sleep Research. 2007;16(4):372-380. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2869.2007.00613.x.
Why this form?
We are using the standard form of melatonin used in high quality supplements.
Can be found in
Naturally occurring melatonin can be found in foods like cherries, tomatoes, walnuts, and strawberries.