Melatonin Loses Its Luster

HealthNews from the publishers of the New England Journal of Medicine

      Melatonin, the natural hormone turned blockbuster dietary supplement, is a popular sleep aid among older people. It's widely believed that as people age, their bodies produce less melatonin, sometimes resulting in sleeplessness. But a new study funded by the National Institute on Aging throws cold water on this theory. Harvard researchers writing in the November American Journal of Medicine compared melatonin levels in 34 healthy men and women, aged 65 to 81, to those of 98 healthy men, aged 18 to 30. The participants spent four days in a laboratory under tightly controlled conditions that included abstention from nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and all medications that could influence melatonin levels. Melatonin was measured from blood samples taken on the fourth day of the study.
      Contrary to prior research, this study found no significant difference in melatonin levels between the young and elderly participants. Since melatonin levels can be influenced by medications commonly used by the elderly, such as aspirin and beta-blockers, the Harvard researchers speculate that previous studies showing diminished melatonin levels in seniors may have been less tightly controlled for these drugs and other melatonin-influencing factors.
      Many physicians are concerned about the use of over-the-counter supplements, which are unregulated and largely untested. Dr. Arthur Feinberg, HealthNews associate editor, says people who have trouble sleeping should try listening to relaxing music before bedtime or cutting back on caffeine before turning to medication.

© 1996-2000, content Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. As provided by U.S. copyright laws, no part of this publication may be reproduced, displayed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the prior written permission from the Rights & Permissions Dept., Massachusetts Medical Society, 860 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451.

RELATED ARTICLES

" Something to Help You Sleep
" Beware the Hype on Melatonin
" A Good Night s Sleep  Naturally?
" Lack of Sleep Impairs Coordination
" Afternoon Exercise Best for Sleep
" MORE RELATED ARTICLES

Copyright © 2000 OnHealth Network Company. All rights reserved.