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Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by the brain's pineal gland. The pineal gland is a pea sized gland located just above the middle of the brain and operates as the body's internal clock. This clock tells you when to go to bed and when to sleep. The pineal gland only secretes melatonin when the sun goes down and it is dark outside. Many believe that melatonin has a strong link to the sleep-wake cycle. Bright light inhibits the release of melatonin. That's why melatonin is sometimes called the "dracula of hormones" because it only comes out at night. The pineal gland will only secrete melatonin when a person is in a dimly lit environment. Artificial light and street lights can be bright enough to prevent the release of melatonin. Because melatonin is contained naturally in some foods, the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1984 allows it to be sold as a dietary supplement. These do not have to be approved by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration). Synthetic melatonin is manufactured in factories that are not regulated by the FDA. Listed doses may or may not be accurate. Most commercial products are offered at dosages that are much higher than the amount of melatonin naturally produced by the body. Taking a dose of 1 - 3 mgs may elevate your blood melatonin levels to 1 to 20 times normal. Don't Disturb Me! differs from other commercial brands of melatonin. Our melatonin comes from plant sources and is provided in physiological doses from this natural source. In addition, because our melatonin is from a plant source much smaller doses are required to be effective in the body. This prevents the melatonin levels from being elevated too high.
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