Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: VAB on 24/12/2010 17:30:32

Title: Do people stop producing melatonin?
Post by: VAB on 24/12/2010 17:30:32
Is it possible that your brain could stop producing the sleep hormone; melatonin? Can one be born this way?
Title: Re: Do people stop producing melatonin?
Post by: SteveFish on 24/12/2010 19:22:51
I believe that the precursor to melatonin is some form of serotonin. I don't think we could do without serotonin, but a natural "knock out" of the gene for the enzyme(s) that create melatonin from serotonin is within the realm of possibility. On the other hand, the necessity of melatonin for an acceptable human sleep/wake cycle is also not known. So why do you want to know?
Title: Do people stop producing melatonin?
Post by: VAB on 25/12/2010 09:38:21
Because the only way I am able to sleep is by using a melatonin supplement. Sounds weird, but that's the way it is. Rather annoying. Had it for the last 15 years.
Title: Do people stop producing melatonin?
Post by: RD on 25/12/2010 12:30:49
If someone takes a hormone medication homeostasis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeostasis) can suppress their bodies natural production of that hormone.

The usual solution is to slowly taper off the medication dose over weeks/months, (not to stop taking it abruptly), giving the body time to resume production at normal levels, (assuming they have the capacity to produce the hormone in sufficient quantity).

NB: no-one should change the dose of any medication they have been prescribed without their doctor's approval.
Title: Do people stop producing melatonin?
Post by: SteveFish on 25/12/2010 15:05:05
RD, melatonin does not require a physician's prescription (in the US).
Title: Do people stop producing melatonin?
Post by: RD on 25/12/2010 15:40:39
Quote
In a number of conditions melatonin response is faulty or inadequate and taking extra melatonin has been used to promote sleep ... In some countries melatonin is available to purchase freely as a ‘supplement’ but in the UK access is restricted to supply by prescription.
http://www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/file_download.aspx?id=931c24c0-e495-454c-8d69-295aff90ed3f
Title: Do people stop producing melatonin?
Post by: VAB on 27/12/2010 13:30:40
Thanks, RD.

I will tell you one thing, it works. The only decent brand is Solal; and not the 'slow release' one. Strange that the UK would be so strict on something so beneficial?

VAB