Mellow-Tone™

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland mainly during the biological night; in both diurnal and nocturnal organisms (25). Melatonin has been called a chronobiotic. A natural part of the aging process is a reduction in the body’s ability to produce this key hormone.

How does melatonin work?

A chronobiotic is defined as a substance capable of shifting the phase of the circadian timing system (CTS) and synchronizing circadian rhythms that have been dissociated on the short-term or desynchronized on the long-term (10). There is much evidence that melatonin exerts highly time dependent actions via the internal clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) (1,2). The SCN transmits signals to the brain, organizing circadian rhythms throughout the body (3-6). The amplitude of this daily variation depends predominantly on the strength of the SCN output signal. This signal may be weakened by a variety of factors, including shift work, many aspects of modern lifestyle, and the aging process (7-9).

What are the benefits of melatonin?

The beneficial effects of melatonin have been well documented in patients suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome (11), jet lag (short term dissociation) (12), or sleep disturbances associated with free running rhythms due to blindness (long-term external desynchronization) (13). Moreover, knowledge and application of the pharmacokinetic properties of melatonin will provide a foundation for its wide range of potential therapeutic uses in humans such as restoration of disrupted circadian rhythms (14,15,16), suppression of the reproductive axis (17), and, possibly, aging treatment (18, 19, 20).

Melatonin and aging.

Aging alters the regulation of sleep in many individuals (21–23): about 30% of people over age 50 exhibit insomnia characterized by decreased total nocturnal sleep time; frequent nocturnal awakenings with difficulty falling back asleep; and early morning awakening.

These alterations are associated with increased daytime sleepiness, attention or memory deficits, and changes in mood (21-23).

What studies are saying about melatonin?

A recent study demonstrated, for the first time, that physiologic doses of melatonin that raise plasma melatonin to levels within its normal nocturnal range (i.e. 60–200 pg/ml) can significantly improve sleep in people suffering from age-related insomnia; that bedtime melatonin treatment does not modify sleep efficiency or alter sleep architecture in older people in whom sleep already is normal; and that the major effect of the melatonin treatment we provided is observed during the midportion of the nocturnal sleep period.(24-25)

How do I recommend Mellow-Tone™?

Mellow-Tone™ is to be taken no more than 5 nights per week to avoid receptor site saturation. Since Mellow-Tone™ is a chronobiotic it is recommended that Mellow-Tone™ be taken at the same approximate time when administered to allow for the CTS to synchronize. Because melatonin’s effects outlast it’s administration duration sleep hygiene (stable or changing bedtimes and administration of melatonin) becomes very important. Take one to two strips at bedtime.