Melatonin - Peppermint Sublingual

Melatonin - Peppermint Sublingual for Occasional Sleeplessness

Melatonin is a neurohormone that is naturally produced in humans by the pineal gland, a cone shaped structure in the brain. It is a favorite of travelers, as it governs the body's circadian rhythms, helping to regulate our sleep cycles. Melatonin is also a potent antioxidant.

This sublingual form is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, via the blood vessels under the tongue and in the cheeks, bypassing the liver and allowing for quick entry into the system.

How Melatonin Works

Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body's circadian rhythm, as mentioned above. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that plays a critical role in determining when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin while light suppresses its activity. Exposure to excessive light in the evening or too little light during the day can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles. For example, jet lag, shift work, and poor vision can disrupt melatonin cycles. In addition, some experts claim that exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (common in household appliances), and exposure to close proximity electronic devices (smart phones, tablets) may disrupt normal cycles and production of melatonin.†

Melatonin also helps control the timing and release of female reproductive hormones. It helps determine when menstruation begins, the frequency and duration of menstrual cycles, and when menstruation ends (menopause).

Many researchers also believe that melatonin levels are related to the aging process. For example, young children have the highest levels of nighttime melatonin. Researchers believe these levels diminish as we age. In fact, the decline in melatonin may explain why many older adults have disrupted sleep patterns and tend to go to bed and wake up earlier than when they were younger. However, emerging research calls this theory into question.

In addition to its hormonal and sleep actions, melatonin has been shown to have strong antioxidant effects. Preliminary evidence suggests that it may also help strengthen the immune system.†

Melatonin and Occasional Sleeplessness

Although results are still controversial, studies suggest that melatonin supplements help induce sleep in people with disrupted circadian rhythms, jet lag, poor vision, and those with low melatonin levels. In fact, a few studies suggest that when taken for short periods of time (days to weeks) melatonin is significantly more effective than a placebo, or “dummy pill,” in decreasing the amount of time required to fall asleep, increasing the number of sleeping hours, and boosting daytime alertness.†

In addition, at least one study suggests that melatonin may improve the quality of life in people who suffer from poor sleep cycles. Although research suggests that melatonin may be modestly effective for regulating sleep, few studies have investigated whether melatonin supplements are safe and effective for long term use.

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use melatonin without first discussing it with your doctor.

• Antidepressant Medications
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Benzodiazepines
• Blood Pressure Medications or Beta-Blockers
• Blood-Thinning Medications, Anticoagulants
• Interleukin-2
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroids and Immunosuppressant Medications

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