melatonin

melatonin /mel·a·to·nin/ (mel″ah-to´nin) a catecholamine hormone synthesized and released by the pineal body; in mammals it influences hormone production and in many species regulates seasonal changes such as reproductive pattern and fur color. In humans it is implicated in the regulation of sleep, mood, puberty, and ovarian cycles and it has been tried therapeutically for insomnia, jet lag, and other conditions.

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mel·a·to·nin (ml-tnn)

n.

A hormone derived from serotonin and produced by the pineal gland that stimulates color change in the epidermis of amphibians and reptiles and that is believed to influence estrus in mammals.

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Melatonin

A naturally occurring hormone involved in regulating the body's "internal clock."

Mentioned in: Jet Lag, Seasonal Affective Disorder

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melatonin,

a dietary supplement, also known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine.

uses It is used for jet lag and insomnia, for cancer protection, and as an oral contraceptive. Melatonin is effective for treating jet lag and has shown benefit when used in combination therapy for various cancers. It is not very effective for insomnia. There are insufficient data related to its efficacy for other uses.

contraindications It is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, in children, or in those with autoimmune disease or known hypersensitivity to this product.

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melatonin [mel″ah-to´nin]

an indoleamine hormone synthesized and released by the pineal body during the hours of darkness; it may have a role in the control of the regulation of gonadotropin release.

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melatonin (meˈ·l·tōˈ·nin),

n hormone secreted from the pineal gland thought to regulate circadian rhythms. Also used in supplement form as a sleep aid.

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melatonin

(mel´tō´nin),
n the only hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the pineal gland. It appears to inhibit numerous endocrine functions, including the gonadotropic hormones, and to decrease the pigmentation of the skin.

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melatonin

an indoleamine hormone synthesized and released by the pineal body during the hours of darkness; it may have a role in the control of the regulation of gonadotropin release.

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melanopsin

An opsin-like protein, sensitive to light with a peak sensitivity around 480 nm, and found in the very small proportion of retinal ganglion cells which are photosensitive. It is believed to be the visual pigment that synchronizes the circadian cycle to the day-night cycle as well as being involved in the control of pupil size and the release of melatonin. This neural circuit appears to be independent of the conventional retinal phototransduction in the rods and cones. See pupil light reflex.

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Patient discussion about melatonin.

Q. Any other treatment for sleeplessness problem than Melatonin??? 33 years male having acute sleeping problem awake until 08:00-09:00am. Taking Melatonin failed.

A. Belladonna. [Bell]
The sleepless conditions calling for Belladonna are due to congestion; sleep is extremely restless, as a rule it is interrupted by talking, startings, muscular jerkings and spasmodic motions; frightful images appear on closing the eyes and the patient therefore dreads sleep. Children awake from sleep frightened. The dreams found under Belladonna are frightful ones, and they constantly awaken the patient. It is probably our best remedy for insomnia due to cerebral hyperaemia; that is, it will be most often indicated, also after morphine which produces cerebral hyperaemia of a passive variety. Aconite comes in here, too, but with Aconite there is intense anxiety and restlessness, fear of disaster or death. Cuprum, Stramonium and Zincum have the symptom that the patient is aroused from sleep frightened. For the complete list: http://www.hpathy.com/diseases/insomnia-sleeplessness-treatment-cure.asp Hope this helps.

Q. is there a blood test for melatonin

A. Technically there is but it is not a simple blood test and will not be done on a regular basis, and is probably very expenisve also.