MELATONIN FOR SLEEP AND MORE
The pineal [PIE nee ul] gland produces the hormone, melatonin. That is the body’s central regulator of biorhythms and also of most hormones. Melatonin levels start dropping in the late 20s and early 30s. That’s one reason for disordered sleep as we get older. Melatonin levels in older people virtually don’t exist, so a lot of older people have trouble sleeping at night, get tired during the day, and they’re forgetful and confused. Many of these symptoms can be reversed if we can just make sure to get adequate sleep at night. Melatonin is totally non-toxic, and has been used intravenously in doses as high as 200 mg. People who are concerned that they’re taking too much can relax, because it is absolutely non-toxic in any dose.
By restoring melatonin levels back to those of healthy young adults, people can sleep more soundly and stay alert during the day. In experimental animals, studies have shown that supplemental melatonin in the drinking water at night actually increases lifespan and prevents a number of degenerative diseases.
Melatonin is one supplement that people actually do feel. They sleep more soundly. I recommend starting with a dose anywhere from one to three milligrams on an empty stomach about an hour or so before bedtime. Take enough to help you go to sleep and stay asleep all night, without feeling drugged in the morning.
Barbara's note: Many people have told me, "I tried it but it doesn't work." They didn't try increasing the dosage. So if you start with 3 mg. and get no result, (and I recommend buying the sublingual form because it gets into your bloodstream faster) try 6 mg. or more until you experience better sleep.
by Ward Dean, M.D. quoted on http://the-moneychanger.com/articles_files/health/dr_ward_dean.phtml