Sleepless in america: compounding with melatonin

Studies of Melatonin in the 1970s and 1980s revealed sedative and hypnotic properties of the compound, which have led to its use in treating sleep disorders. Commonly used for jet lag, melatonin is relatively inexpensive and associated with minimal side effects. Regulation of melatonin secretion appears to be abnormal in children and adults in which pervasive development disorders have been observed. Alteration in melatonin rhythm may be responsible for sleep-onset and maintenance difficulties in autism. A recent review concluded that melatonin primarily acts on the total length of time needed to fall asleep and on the total length of sleep. In addition, melatonin, which does not induce dependence or withdrawal syndromes, may have advantages compared to commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. While there is an enormous amount of anecdotal information available, additional studies are necessary involving melatonin for the treatment of sleep disorders. The condition of these well-controlled studies must be clearly defined, especially in regards to the melatonin formulation and pharmacology of the products used. Various areas remain unclear, such as how the effects of melatonin vary by age, gender, ethnicity, and comorbid conditions of the population, as well as formulation, timing, and duration of melatonin administration. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements, based on available studies and clinical use, melatonin is generally regarded as safe in recommended doses when used in the short term. The safety of melatonin when used in the long term remains unclear.