Melatonin Production: Science vs Hype Essay

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Introduction

The endocrine system is an essential component of our bodies’ regulation mechanisms. Endocrine system incorporates hormones together with the organs secreting them. The oozing of melatonin occurs in the pineal glands, housed within the brain. The hormone aids in preserving of the circadian rhythm; this often dictates when we sleep and arise (Donald 24). The pineal is a miniature gland in the endocrine system in the brain of significant fraction of vertebrates. The production of melatonin occurs majorly at night. Conversely, its production reduces throughout the day. Several factors affect melatonin making. These integrate jet lag and poor vision. Melatonin occurs in several foodstuffs including “grains, fresh vegetables, meat, and fruits” (Buchman 16). The hormone is a serotonin derivative. Melatonin is high in children as evident by the extended sleeping traits. The sleeping problems witnessed in older people indicate the reduced levels of melatonin (Buchman 16). Despite the limited researches executed on this claim, it is believable that melatonin levels drop with age; nevertheless, concrete results from ongoing researches still needs publication.

Benefits of Melatonin

Melatonin supplements can be administered to persons suffering from sleeplessness so that their circadian cadence can get back to normal or improve. This is proven clinically with patients and populace traveling across numerous continents. The hormone reduces the jet lag as evident by the reduced time one needs to fall a sleep (Billy et al. 40). The establishment of this claim is still in the process. Nonetheless, preliminary results from research indicate the probabilities.

Another benefit is that the addition of melatonin in ointments could play a very big role in averting and safeguarding the skin from sunburns. This is evident from an exploration propagated by the “University of California” (Billy et al. 40). A group of young women was studied for a period of two years to establish the effects of melatonin on their menstrual cycle. It emerged that melatonin plays a central task in determining when a person begins to menstruate, frequency of the cycles, and it termination (Michaels & Madeline 20). Concurrently, the prevailing researches focus mainly in determining whether melatonin can reduce the ageing phenomenon. The issue of ageing has been contentious for centuries and researchers having trying to elucidate the causes and possible remedies despite its predictability. Nonetheless, clinical research is at its inception stages. Additionally, melatonin can play an extensive role in alleviating stress-related insomnia whereby patients suffering from strain retort to administration of melatonin as a clinical remedy.

Side effects of melatonin

Women with reduced levels of the hormone are remarkably susceptible to breast cancer than those with normal melatonin levels. Current laboratory research shows that low levels of the hormone augment the production of certain cancerous cells that may cause cancer (Altintop 47). Breast cancer is a dangerous ailment, which has elicited concerns from the health activists. It is managed when diagnosed early enough before the mutated cell spreads to other parts of the body with lethal effects. Similarly, this aspect is applicable in men who have inadequate levels of melatonin. This augments the defenselessness to prostate cancer. Conclusively, melatonin is a crucial hormone in the body system. Those people who are hardly aware of the endocrine system and its function might make flawed claims (hype) about melatonin (Evans).

Works Cited

Altintop, Timothy. “The endocrinology of Melatonin” Journal of Endocrinogy. 2006. Vol 4. Is. 1: 45-57.

Billy, Sandra. et al. Melatonin and cancer. California, CA: University of California Press, 2003. Print.

Buchman, Dian. The Complete Guide to Natural Sleep. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Professional, 1995. Print.

Donald, Bold. “Melatonin: The clinical and Therapeutic utilization.” London: New England Press, 2007. Print.

Evans, Kevin. “ Melatonin could be the solution to jet lag”. Science Hype, 2007. Web.

Michaels, Stanley &Madeline Speke. Melatonin and its relevance to jet lag. Newark: Prentice, 1999. Print

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