Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland of mammals. Research indicates that it may be associated with the regulation of sleep/wake cycles. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant that defends against free radicals and helps to support glutathione activity in the neural tissue.*
Please note that the 1mg tablets contain additional ingredients. The tablets contain 1mg of Melatonin as well as B3, B6 and Magnesium in a vegetarian formula. These added co-nutrients provide a two-stage release.
I've had trouble sleeping the whole night through my entire life (I'm 38). Waking up 5-6 times a night is routine for me no matter what time I go to bed or what type of activity I do during the day. I've tried other sleep aids and they only limited my waking up to about 4-5 times a night (waste of money). I decided to try the 3mg Melatonin thinking I didn't have anything to lose. OMG!! The first night I tried this product I only woke up TWICE and felt great the next morning. I took it about an hour before bed as recommended. I didn't feel sleepy before hand like many other sleep aids affect you so thought it wasn't going to work...Wrong! I fell asleep within 10 minutes of lights out. I've continued to take it on and off over a month now and can tell the difference on the nights I don't use it. This is a great product that worked wonders for me.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland that plays a role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. The pineal is embedded in the brain and receives signals via the optic nerve. Melatonin is secreted by the gland after the body senses darkness at the end of each day to keep our bodies synchronized with the rhythms of day and night. Melatonin is often used as a home remedy for jet lag.
Dietary tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP, which in turn can convert to serotonin and then to melatonin. People with diets low in tryptophan or who lack darkness at night may have a functional deficit of serotonin and melatonin, making melatonin supplementation useful.
Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that supports immune system function and is an antagonist to cortisol, the stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is partly responsible for many of the classic symptoms of chronic stress, including lack of sleep.
As we age, melatonin levels decline, so supplementation is sometimes necessary to provide optimal levels of this important hormone. Scientists believe this melatonin deficit is one reason why older adults have more trouble sleeping than younger people.
Rather than using animal glandular tissues extracted from cow brains, NOW uses a pure nature-identical form of melatonin that is suitable for vegetarians/vegans.