Occasional sleeplessness can be a problem for any one of us. It's estimated that 10% to 34% of the population experience some degree of sleeplessness. It's difficult to be accurate because difficulty sleeping is not often reported to health care providers. Adequate sleep is necessary for good health, a productive life, and a happy disposition. During the sleep cycle, your body can rest from physical exertion. More importantly, your brain can relax from daily problem solving. Many internal functions take place within your body during the sleep cycle, including normal maintenance and repair of damaged cells. Because melatonin is produced in response to darkness, our modern life style of using bright lights at night actually interferes with this normal and necessary process. The spectrum of light entering the retina of the eye signals the body to create or halt melatonin production. Melatrol contains Melatonin, as well as other beneficial herbs. The melatonin will help people who aren't making enough on their own. The other ingredients assist in the production of melatonin, and help you relax physically and mentally. Read our Ingredients Page for more information. None of these ingredients would be classed as a sedative, so you won't have any dull after-effects when you wake up. Occasional sleeplessness can become a self-perpetuating habit. As a result, your body will produce less of the hormones you need. Then, a cycle of not being able to sleep will follow. If your occasional sleepless nights persist, and become regular, see your doctor. If you have chronic insomnia or sleep apnea, you need to be checked by your health care provider. Although the ingredients in Melatrol Natural Sleep Aid are not sedatives, use caution when operating machinery, until you know how your body reacts. Pregnant and nursing mothers should always consult with their health care provider before taking supplements or prescription drugs. Keep out of reach of children.
5-HTP
5-HTP is a short term for 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan. This is an important "precursor" to seratonin. A precursor is a substance that precedes, and is the source, of another substance. Seratonin is vital in many functions of the body. 5-HTP supports the production of melatonin, and assists in easing stress and anxiety.
5-HTP is a natural extract from the seeds of the Griffonia tree found in West African countries. Traditionally, the African people use all parts of the tree for various maladies.
5-HTP is generally well tolerated. However, light nausea and some mild gastric disturbances could occur at first. Usually these symptoms disappear quickly. If you experience continued disturbance, discuss this with your health care professional.
Melatonin
Just as the growth of plants is affected by the hours of daylight, so too, are animals and humans affected. Darkness triggers production of the hormone, melatonin, and causes the drowsy, sleepy feeling you get which is your body's signal it's time to go to sleep. Bright light halts the production of melatonin.
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It can also be produced by bone marrow cells, the retina, and the gastrointestinal tract. Even plants, such as rice, produce
melatonin. When you eat rice or other foods containing melatonin, it will reach and bind to sites in the brain.
In addition to helping you sleep, melatonin is an antioxidant. It helps protect DNA, protects the brain, and may play a role in increasing longevity.
Melatonin is safe for the human body even when taken over a period of time. However, like all supplements, caution is advised against taking more than directed. High doses can cause complications.
Valerian Root
Valerian has been used to improve people's lives since the times of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates discussed its benefits, and Galen prescribed Valerian as a remedy for insomnia.
Only the roots, rhizomes and stolons (A horizontal stem which grows along the surface of the soil) of the plants are used. The flowers of Valerian are quite sweet-smelling, and can perfume your whole garden.
On the other hand, the dried root has a pungent, unpleasant smell some people say is like "dirty socks." Herbalists often suggest Valerian root to people who are nervous, anxious, and not sleeping well.
Gamma Amino Butyric Acid
Gamma Amino Butyric Acid is usually called GABA. It is an amino acid necessary for the action of certain cells. In adults, it is inhibitory in action. That is, it inhibits certain substances from entering the cells. It's found primarily in the tissues of the nervous system.
GABA functions as a neurotransmitter to prevent certain neurons from over-reacting. This makes it possible for the brain to relax, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Rhodiola Rosea Extract
Rhodiola Rosea, sometimes called "golden root" or "roseroot", grows in the dry sandy areas of high mountains from Iceland through Siberia.
It was not named Rosea for its flower, but for the sweet, rose-like fragrance of the freshly cut root.
Until the 1960s Rhodiola rosea was not well known in this country. For many years, the people of the northern latitudes kept it a secret.
In 1725, the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus gave the herb its modern name. It was later determined that the plant extract was a powerful adaptogen.
The term adaptogen is used by herbalists to refer to a natural herb product that is proposed to increase the body's resistance to stress and anxiety. In the past, they have been called "rejuvenating herbs."
Passion Flower
The Passion Flower is a frequent sight in many gardens. It is a delightful vine, which can climb to 30 feet, and is covered with purple and white flowers during the blooming season.
The unique flowers give the plant its name. In 1609 Jacomo Bosio, a monk and scholar in Rome, thought the shape of the flowers resembled the crown of thorns put upon the head of Jesus. He felt it represented the mysteries of the cross and the passion of Jesus.
Passion Flower was used for centuries for people with anxiety, sleeplessness, and "hysteria." Herbalists today still use Passion Flower for people with occasional sleep problems, tension and nervousness.
It is said that Passion Flower will bring sweet dreams to the user, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.
It is generally well-tolerated by most people. People taking MAO inhibitors or blood-thinning medication should consult with their primary care provide before taking Melatrol.
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