The Health Benefits of Melatonin

ADHD

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Posted by Cathy (Pataskala, Ohio) on 07/26/2009
★★★★★

My son has been taking Melatonin for almost 4 years now. He is now taking up to 6 mgs at age 10 and he sleeps great and has had no side effects. He is ADHD and never slept well thru the night before melatonin. It really makes a difference in his behavior as well. I would strongly recommend it.

Cavity, Gum Soreness

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Posted by Art (California) on 12/15/2022 2332 posts
★★★★★

A friend who takes high dose melatonin every night recently mentioned to me that she discovered that she had a new cavity forming on the side of one of her teeth.

She uses melatonin that dissolves in your mouth, so she decided to place melatonin at the site of the cavity with her tongue each night when she went to bed. She told me that within two months, the cavity was very significantly reduced in size, so she will continue to repeat this process until it is completely gone. She also told me she had an area of gum that was sore, so she told me she applied melatonin to the area of the sore gum, and she said the pain was gone in two days. This second aspect she is reporting does have studies to support that melatonin is healthful for the gums.

I was aware that melatonin is good for the health of the oral cavity, but I was not aware that it could reverse a relatively new cavity. When I looked at studies regarding melatonin and oral health, I found that melatonin is noted for use against or as a preventative for gum disease, but no mention as a cavity fighter. Here is a typical study discussing multiple health benefits of melatonin for the oral cavity, including bone regeneration, but teeth are not actually the same as bone :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1607551X16301012

Here are some relevant quotes from the study :

' Oral cavity is affected by a number of conditions such as periodontitis, mucositis, cancers, and cytotoxicity from various drugs or biomaterials. Research has suggested that melatonin is effective in treating the aforementioned pathologies. Furthermore, melatonin has been observed to enhance osseointegration and bone regeneration. '

' Topical administration of melatonin has a positive effect on periodontal health and osseointegration. Furthermore, melatonin is particularly effective in improving the periodontal parameters of diabetic patients with periodontitis. Melatonin exerts a regenerative effect on periodontal bone and may be incorporated into of periodontal scaffolds. The cytotoxic effect of various drugs and dental materials may be countered by the antioxidant properties of melatonin. Topical administration of melatonin promotes the healing of tooth extraction sockets and may also impede the progression of oral cancer. '

As you can see from this study, melatonin offers many benefits to help maintain oral health, but the repair of new cavities is a new one to me.

Art

Effective Melatonin Dosages

Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe ) on 05/18/2023

Art, a relative was taking Melatonin pills to fall asleep easier. The dosage is VERY small compared to your recommendations. Just the pills you find in any drug store.

He sleeps well now so the doctor said he should stop for now, so that the body doesn't start relying ONLY on the pills to fall asleep.

The first night off of it, he was not able to fall asleep all night. But now he does.

1. Is Melatonin for sleep addictive?

2. Being that he is not in favor of alternative medicine, I was hoping the little he was taking would help with other ailments. But the dosage was so low, it probably didn't do much for other things.

What are your thoughts on this?

Replied by Art
(California)
05/18/2023
2332 posts

mmsg,

Melatonin is not addictive in any way, shape, or form. It does not help everyone get to sleep, but for those that it does, it seems to work very well. In comparison to medical marijuana, when I was testing it as a sleep aid, I found that when I was done testing it, I definitely felt a "need" to take it again and in fact, it took some time for that urge to go away. After the test, I would be in bed, not quite asleep and I would be thinking that I should take some of the medical marijuana so I can get to sleep. I never have that issue with melatonin. If I forget a dose, I forget a dose and that is it.

It is not surprising that he had trouble falling asleep the first night off from melatonin, as the body needs a moment to adjust to the amount of melatonin it is getting at night.

As to whether your relative should stop melatonin, that would mainly depend on his age. If he is in his 40's or older, it may be useful to continue the melatonin to try and partially compensate for the age related decline of melatonin in people. If they are under 40, it may be fine to reserve melatonin for when the body can make good use of it, such as Covid-19 or worse.

I don't know what his other ailments are, so I can't really comment on that aspect of your post.

Art

mmsg
(somewhere, europe)
05/18/2023

Thank you Art. I had been hoping it would help him with diabetes, a heart condition etc., but I guess this low dosage, 2-3 mg. wasn't doing much for that anyway.

Cheryl
(California)
07/08/2023

Art,

Can melatonin get my system back to normal after being on prescription medication? I can't seem to get my system back to normal, I wrote a post in recent contacts about it. If so, how much should I take?

Art
(California)
05/18/2023
2332 posts

mmsg,

Yes, I think when you are talking about major health conditions, 2 to 3 mg of melatonin may be better than no melatonin, but generally I would think that pharmacological dosing would be needed for maximum benefit.

If you hadn't said he is opposed to alternatives, I would make suggestions for diabetes and the heart, but that sounds like it would be a waste of time with him.

Art

mmsg
(somewhere, europe)
05/19/2023

Correct, Art. But it's good to know that if he does continue with that low dose Melatonin, it not only does no harm, but even helps. Thank you!

Art
(California)
07/08/2023
2332 posts

Cheryl,

More information about what symptoms you are experiencing and the doses of what you are taking would be helpful information.

Regarding melatonin, if you can tolerate more than 30 mg, that would be helpful. Dr. Shallenberger gives all of his patients 180 mg per night or more for more serious conditions such as stage 4 cancer. Don't take melatonin during the day. If you make a decision to add more melatonin, do it slowly.

For sleep, decide what time you want to go to bed. As an example, if you want to got to bed at 11:00pm, take one third of your melatonin dose at 9:00 pm, one third of your dose at 10:00pm and the last third of your dose at 11:00 pm. I call this melatonin 123 and it gives a slower release of melatonin that tries to mimic melatonin release from the pineal gland and sometimes is a bit more effective for sleep.

I wrote about the use of melatonin for stroke here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/melatonin-for-stroke-recovery-and-prevention.html

For constipation, magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate at the max label dose may help. Take this or at least part of it with your second melatonin dose and take your zinc at that same time as it also helps with sleep. It helps with the melatonin for sleep. I wrote about these 3 for sleep here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/art-solbrig-insomnia-protocol.html

Adding vitamin D in the morning may be helpful as a deterrent for a second stroke as discussed here :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376887/#:~:text=Vitamin D supplementation in post, outcome after stroke [9].

Here is a relevant study quote :

' Vitamin D supplementation in post stroke patients is helpful in prevention of recurrent stroke and is suggested to reduce neurological, psychological and musculoskeletal disorders [8]. It also reduces morbidity, mortality and improves functional outcome after stroke [9]. '

Aiming for the upper half of the reference range could be helpful. The reference range is 30 - 100 ng/ml for 25 OH d.

Once you have a stroke, even a TIA, the chance for another stroke increases significantly so you still have to keep preventatives in mind, not just treatments.

The berberine is helpful, but that would be at 1500 mg/day in 3 divided doses of 500 mg at breakfast lunch and dinner.

Another supplement that can be helpful is Vinpocetine at 30 mg/day as discussed here :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7045535/#:~:text=In controlled human studies, VPN, in several countries in Europe.

Here is a relevant quote :

' In controlled human studies, VPN increases cerebral perfusion and oxygen extraction and prevents the worsening of attention in patients with multiple cerebral infarcts so; VPN has been used to treat stroke in several countries in Europe. '

CoQ10 is also good at higher dose and in the more preferable form of Ubiquinol such as this :

https://www.amazon.com/Liposomal-Absorption-Supplement-Antioxidant-Production/dp/B0BXXCDFJ5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ZSQF7AH2EHEE&keywords=liposomal+coq10+800mg+ubiquinol+softgel&qid=1688862731&sprefix=ubiquinol+800,aps,182&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Get earlier morning sun exposure such as 20 minutes or more each morning.

It takes time to recover from a stroke and I would think in terms of a year or more, but these steps may also help ward off another stroke or TIA and that is very important.

Art

Replied by Cheryl
(California)
07/10/2023

Art and Rob, Thank you for the info. I am going to try everything, Thank you for answering my questions. I feel supported. Do you know anything about bemers for sleep?

Art
(California)
07/11/2023
2332 posts

Cheryl,

I have no experience with it.

Art

Eyesight

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Posted by Tom (Livingston, Tx) on 08/08/2023 64 posts
★★★★★

Melatonin: Single Supplement Prevents and Reverses Macular Degeneration - new article from Dr. Shallenberger.

I will be trying melatonin soon because this author (age 77) has the retinas of a young man:

https://www.secondopinionnewsletter.com/Health-Alert-Archive/View-Archive/15303/Single-Supplement-Prevents-and-Reverses-Macular-Degeneration.htm

Induce Dreaming

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Posted by Derek (Ontario, CA) on 03/28/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been taking Melatonin for 7 months now and originally started to have vivid dreams and now my dreams are much more gentle but amazing nontheless, and great sleep indeed ... I started with a cream of 50mg per night for the first two months then upped the dose to 100mg per night for 4 months then tried the 250mg SR capsules but I was a little woosy in the morning, so I stayed on the 100mg for another month and now I am almost done the bottle when finished then I will try 250mg SR again ...(SR) stands for slow release ;) eventually working up to 400 or 500 mg at this point the pineal opens up and you begin to experience the truth of who we are ;) those who have done the research already know this.

Replied by Danny
(Powell, Wyoming)
11/14/2015

Can you express a little more on the relationship between melatonin and the pineal. Thank you.

Induce Dreaming

Posted by Jeremiah (San Diego, California) on 07/07/2009
★★★★★

Remedies to Induce Dreaming: I usually don't dream, but I have found out that whenever I take Melatonin to sleep, I have the most vividly realistic dreams I could ever imagine.

Insomnia

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Posted by Gertjr (Madison) on 07/06/2020
★★★★★

I tried Art's protocol over the last few days and it worked! I was so pleased. My husband passed away on Saturday and I was exhausted and really needed sleep, had finished all my Tramadol (needed to stop taking it anyway), and took 3 mg every hour, going to bed after the 3rd dose. Slept like a baby until the cat woke me up, then went back to sleep for another hour, 7 hours in all. After several nights at the hospital, this was such a blessing. The last 2 nights haven't been quite that good, but still better than I expected with having so much on my plate right now. Thanks, Art.

I have a bit of migraine pain today, so hopefully that's not the melatonin but the stress. I'm probably a bit dehydrated, too, so need to take better care of myself.

EC: We are so sorry for your loss, GertJr. Sending you much love.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
07/06/2020

Dear Gertjr,

Bless you. I am so sorry about the deep loss of your husband! 💔😢

Love,

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Charity
(Faithvile, Us)
07/06/2020

Gertjr, Sorry for the loss you are going through. Griefshare is a website that will send you free daily encouragement and information on how one processes and how it affects the body.

https://www.griefshare.org/

Many people avoid talking about grief trying not to cause more pain. Then it can be difficult, not feeling like you have someone to talk to about what you are going through. First and foremost stop all negative chatter in your head . Write positive things to say to yourself. I did well and I am well. Every day I celebrate how good life is, and I remember the good things . I have suffered depression and all that comes with it so I say this to encourage you as you transition to the next beautiful stage of your life. HIs Blessings, Charity

Replied by Art
(California)
07/06/2020
2332 posts

Gertjr,

I am very sorry for the loss of your of your husband.

I am glad that you found benefit with melatonin and I hope it continues to help you through this difficult time. You need good sleep to allow your body to repair itself after so much damaging stress. Good health to you!

Art

Replied by Tessa
(Okanagan)
07/06/2020

Dear Gertjr - I'm very sorry to hear that your husband passed away. You have so much stress to deal with but I'm glad to hear the melatonin is helping. As difficult as it is with so much to do, you will need time just for yourself - to grieve, to rest. You are in our thoughts. Take care ...

Insomnia

Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 07/18/2011

Hi Randy;

I'm from a city down the coast from you, Charleston. I really miss the ocean. It was easier to get enough sea salt there.

It appears that in your situation, there are paradoxes to negotiate. I've read that some people do have increased insomnia, anxiety, and other side effects from melatonin supplementation. It's been suggested that they may try a dosage as low as. 1-.3 mgs. I also have low cortisol, and insomnia from early childhood. Although I have tried so many substances for this; herbs, amino acids, exercise, and even medications; my best results have been from combining a low dose b-complex with a sublingual b12. There can be paradoxical reactions to them also, as some can relax and or stimulate the system. I suggest trying the b-complex made from foods. (unfortunately it's expensive) It may be only needed in smaller amounts. Try 1/2 tablet in the morning. ( I have it with an empty stomach, but it may be easier with food).

Also, try methylcobalamin sublinguals, (active-b12); because it enables the other b's to operate. A 1000 mcg. Tablet can be divided with a pill cutter into 4 wedges. It may be that only 250 mcgs. Is needed daily for sensitve individuals. I have also found that folate has been very helpful with depression, But it must be measured carefully according individual needs. I recommend methylfolate. It comes in 800 mcg. Tablets that can also be subdivided.

While there is the RDA of folate in supplements, some people with atypical depression have responded very well to extra folate. It can have mild stimulant properties for some people, so I suggest trying small amounts in the morning. (It is also good for sensitive gums and canker sores when dissolved in the mouth). I have found these supplements to also lower many types of inflammation that can deplete cortisol.

Replied by Randy
(Myrtle Beach, Sc/usa)
07/21/2011

hi Connie

Thank you for responding back and I appreciate your input very much! Since my last post what I have done for the next 2 nights was stay at 2mg of melatonin and even though for both those nights I got awake in the middle of the night, I fell back to sleep for each of those nights for about another 2. 5 hours approx so I guess that is a good sign. Maybe my body had to get used to it if that is possible, I don't know. Last night I upped it to 3mg and slept striaght thru for a total of about 6. 5 hours. I'm atleast happy with this because I know for years that I have only been averaging about 5-6 hours of sleep per night. So "maybe" I am on the right path with the melatonin. Time will tell.

As far as you mentioning the B-12 and methylfolate, I have tried both of those in the past and both never seemed to do me any good. I think I have tried most every supplement under the sun LOL (and then some.. Haha) I had my B-12 levels checked awhile back and they were fine.. Actually very good but at that time I was taking B-12 even though it really didn't help me. As a matter of fact I have read that some people that are hypoadrenal can't handle the extra B-12. Whether or not that is true I don't know, but maybe it was true for me. I seem to even feel more lethargic which doesn't help my depression even when I do Brewers Yeast. Maybe it is a particular B that isn't agreeing with me. I "might" have been taking too much Pantethine. I tried it because many others and other websites mention it is good for hypoadrenal but quite frankly ever since I stopped taking it, I seem to be not as fatigued and not as achey in my joints.

The site that I have frequented often which I think has a lot of good information is......says that too much intake of B-5, people can get severe fatigue and joint pain. Maybe this applies to me because ever since I stopped it I an not as fatigued nor as achey in my joints. The site actually mentions B-1 thiamine good for people that are hypoadrenal. It says that extra thiamine can help raise sodium, which I know us later stage AF'ers deal with. He also mentions choline can help with that also. Funny how when I did the Braverman test online awhile back I was also Acetylcholine deficent as well as being Dopamine deficient. So I am also starting to take CDP-Choline as well as some lecithin granules which I know Ted is very high on taking. I noticed you said you are still low cortisol. Have you tried extra thiamine? I just started yesterday taking Allithiamine. Apparently it is similar to Befotiamine that it is fat soluble, but I have read that Allithiamine may work better on the CNS where as Benfo works more periphally. Who knows but I am giving it a whirl and maybe it can atleast help to some degree with my atypical depression. The site also mentions tin being good for hypodrenal and I know Ted has mentioned it too and good for depression that can go along with it. So I am going to try that too. I just ordered some stannous chloride from a chemical supply company so I'll see how that works for me too when it arrives.

One other thing I wanted to mention, and maybe there is some merit to this. I can't remember which book I read this from.. It might have been Wilson's book on Adrenal Fatigue, in that having dental work done can stress the adrenals. I can look back and remember that it was around the time I had some dental work done that I started feeling a lot worse. Maybe it was that, that just sent my low adrenals over the edge.. Then on top of that I burned them out more by working out at the gym too strenuously. Live and learn. Recently I have read that weight lifting (not to the point of exaustion) can actually raise cortisol but anything aerobic lowers cortisol. So I'm going to just do the weights but ditch the running on the treadmill.

I'm also gonna start on some Systemic Proteolytic Enzymes. Certainly can't hurt cause I have read some theories out there that depression can stem from too much inflammation in the body. I've started back up taking some curcumin and have added some boswellia which is also good for inflammation. I'll see how this goes too LOL

Sorry for the long post, but thanks again for your input Connie. I'll keep trudging on :)

Maybe the moderator reading this can also post this in the adrenal fatigue and depression sections, since this post also applies to those conditions. Me being new here I don't know if I should be copying and pasting this in both of those sections.

Randy

Insomnia

Posted by Jeremiah (San Diego, California) on 06/28/2009
★★★★★

I have found that Melatonin is extremely beneficial in helping me get to bed. This is on top of the Seroquel that I already take, which is dosed at 100mg. I usually start off with 3 mgs. of Melatonin, and if that doesn't help, I take another 3 mgs. (because the supplement that I take only comes in 3 mg. tablets).

The usual recommended dose of Melatonin to start with is 5 mgs., and then take it from there. This is a extremely effective supplement, and I would recommend it first before anything else.

Insomnia

Posted by Melinda (Tucson, Arizona) on 01/24/2009
★☆☆☆☆

NAY- I have tried Melatonin and I did not find it to be a good alternative for insomnia. Firstly I am on a antidepressant-Lexapro, and I feel like Melatonin really makes my depression worse, and it's effectiveness was inconstant, one time I felt real drowsy and slept good, another time only slept a few hours then woke up again. My boyfriend's Mom also tried it and said it did not work for her either.

Replied by Randy
(Myrtle Beach, Sc/usa)
07/18/2011
0 out of 5 stars

I suffer from adrenal fatigue (low cortisol) and atypical depression so I decided to try melatonin the last couple of nights to try to give my adrenals some well needed rest. Typically I only average between 5 to 6 hours of sleep per night but the last couple of nights I only got about 3.5 hours of sleep. First night I only did 1mg and last night I did 2mg and with upping the dosage I still only got 3.5 hours of sleep. Why am I getting less sleep taking melatonin? I have read where it can have the opposite effect with some people and I am wondering why this happens? Anyone else have the same experience?

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
07/05/2020

Old post but the melatonin may have been ineffective if it was not actually melatonin - a fraudulent product. Trying a different brand might have been the solution. My brand always works for me, my Mom's does not always work for her.

Replied by Jake
(Tucson)
11/01/2020

I have read a report recently that talks about the mixed findings with melatonin. It's hypothesis is that it relates to the circadian rhythm and should be taken at least 2 hours away from food. It is suggested that one might try to eat dinner earlier, and/or skip breakfast so as to avoid glycemic interference.

Replied by GertJr
(Madison)
11/01/2020

I, too, had little success with melatonin until Deirdre (I think, or was it Art?) mentioned large doses. I now take 10 mg an hour before bed and 10 mg of timed release melatonin just before bed. I also take niacin (for cholesterol, but the flush helps me sleep), only 500 mg, every night along with the timed release melatonin. I've been sleeping much better since I started this protocol. I still don't sleep great, still wake up off and on, and sleep only for about 5 hours per night, but it's so much better than it was. What does are you taking, Jake? Be careful, tho, since melatonin can make your stool loose. With my ibsd that's a real concern, but this dose I'm taking seems to do well.

Replied by Art
(California)
11/02/2020
2332 posts

GertJr,

Try this combo for better sleep :

https://www.earthclinic.com/art-solbrig-insomnia-protocol.html

Art

Insomnia

Posted by Cathy (Richmond Hill, Canada) on 02/29/2008
★★★★★

Insomnia: My kids have a hard time sleeping at night. I've struggled for about 10 years trying to put my ADHD girl to bed at night. The older she became, the worse it was, telling me to "get lost" when I came in the room at 11:00 p.m. She would just continue on the computer and ignore me. It was very depressing. I had to sleep so I would just go and leave her alone. Her dad didn't help much. Rescue remedy! melatonin! I bought the chewable kind and used to give it to her when I was totally exasperated at 10 or 11 p.m. Now I give it to her at 8 or 8:30 p.m. and now she jumps into bed by 9 or 9:30 p.m. What a miracle! Why did it take me so long to figure that one out? She was sleep deprived for many years!

Insomnia

Posted by Stephanie (NC) on 10/20/2005
★★★★★

Melatonin is WONDERFUL! My daughter (11 yrs.) has always had terrible problems going to sleep...until I started her on Melatonin. She takes 1 pill (300 mcg.) about 1-1/2 hrs. before bed and has had no trouble falling asleep since the first time she took Melatonin. Also have a 22 yr. old nephew who has had sleep problems for a few years. He takes a larger dose before bedtime - has been falling asleep at bedtime with no problems since his first dose. What a God-send!!!

Insomnia

Posted by Lisa (Vero Beach)
★★★★★

I have found melatonin to work well for sleep. Also just heard magnesium prior to sleep works - I will be trying that tonight.

Insomnia

Posted by Rob (Gilbert, Arizona )
★★★★★

Melatonin has been a God-send for me. I'm a terrible insomniac, especially on business trip. I don't like druggy meds, so I tried melatonin several years ago. About 20 minutes after taking one I drifted quite naturally off to sleep. Now, I still take them occassionally, but usually just the thought that they're in the medicine cabinet is enough to relax me to sleep! Melotonin induces the body's 'down time' mechanisms which night owls like me tend to inhibit. Now I know to relax, read a book, watch tv, or just 'chill' about 20 minutes before bed, this behavior allows the body to naturally produce it's own melatonin and drift peacefully to sleep. - sleep tight!

Insomnia

Posted by Hannah (Vancouver, BC )
★★★★★

Melatonin has also been beneficial to me for sleep. I also use at varying times: -lavender essential oil rubbed into my skin (with a carrier oil) spray lavender water in the bedroom -take a "tea" of honey and apple cider vinegar (adjusting to taste) with water. (1/4 cup does the trick). -another idea, is to turn off the electrical things (like tv, computer etc) an hour before bed to allow the body to slow down and let it's natural melatonin do it's job. Turn off the lights and light a candle and have quiet time an hour before bed. Sweet dreams!

Replied by Bee
(Gig Harbor, Wa)
09/28/2016

thank for suggesting that the electronics be turned off earlier at night for a natural melatonin. I was reading all the comments and many of them had the electronics piece in common.

Melatonin
Health Benefits

The Health Benefits of Melatonin

Regulates Sleep-Wake Cycles

Improves Sleep Quality

Antioxidant Properties

Supports Heart Health

Enhances Mood and Mental Health

Alleviates Symptoms of Chronic Conditions

Boosts Immune Function

Promotes Eye Health

Anti-Cancer Properties

Aids in Weight Management

Safe Usage Tips

Conclusion