This hormone is manufactured from serotonin
and involves synchronization of hormonal
secretions relating to our sleep-wake
cycles. It is stimulated by darkness and
suppressed by light. This supplement can
be beneficial for those who suffer from
insomnia, a common complaint of those
who suffer from fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia suffers can also use melatonin
in the form of a cream with the same beneficial
effects of an oral form to help with sleep
disorders, depression, and mood.
Melatonin Cream and Fibromyalgia
Preliminary evidence indicates that melatonin, a
molecule that is endogenously produced, may be effective
in treating the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Although melatonin is commonly known as a sleep aid
(sleep/wake problems are common in fibromyalgia sufferers),
it has a variety of other beneficial effects that
may account for its potential benefits in the treatment
of fibromyalgia.
Note: Melatonin should not be used for long term
supplementation. Those who suffer from depression
and are taking certain prescription medication are
advised against taking melatonin.
Melatonin and Insomnia
Although results are still controversial, studies
suggest that melatonin supplements help induce sleep
in people with disrupted circadian rhythms, such as
those suffering from fibromyalgia, jet lag, poor vision,
and those with low melatonin levels. In fact, a few
studies suggest that when taken for short periods
of time (days to weeks) melatonin is significantly
more effective than a placebo, or “dummy pill,”
in decreasing the amount of time required to fall
asleep, increasing the number of sleeping hours, and
boosting daytime alertness.
In addition, at least one study suggests that melatonin
may improve the quality of life in people who suffer
from insomnia, a common symptom of fibromyalgia sufferers.
Although research suggests that melatonin may be modestly
effective for treating certain types of insomnia,
few studies have investigated whether melatonin supplements
are safe and effective for long term use.
Melatonin, Anxiety, and Depression
Those with fibromyalgia are very familiar with the
anxiety and depression that can accompany this condition.
A recent study of postmenopausal women, who commonly
have fibromyalgia symptoms, found that melatonin alleviated
both depression and anxiety.
Additionally, other studies have shown that people
who suffer from major depression or panic disorder
have low levels of melatonin. Healthy individuals
with mild episodic depression and patients who have
Seasonal Affective Disorder, (SAD -- a mild depression
that correlates with fall and winter -- periods of
light-phase shortening) also have lower than normal
melatonin levels.
Furthermore, experimental studies show that melatonin
causes a surge in the chemical serotonin, which helps
alleviate symptoms of depressive illness, including
major and mild depression and SAD. Melatonin should
be used with caution in people with depression and
should be appropriately timed with light therapy and
sleep-phase changes. Disruption of normal circadian
rhythm by poorly timed melatonin administration may
worsen depression.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the
following medications, you should not use melatonin
without first discussing it with your doctor.
Antidepressant Medications
In an animal study, melatonin supplements reduced
the antidepressant effects of desipramine and fluoxetine.
More research is needed to determine whether these
effects would occur in people. In addition, fluoxetine
(a member of a class of drugs called selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs) has led to measurable
depletion of melatonin in people.
Antipsychotic Medications
A common side effect of antipsychotic medications
used to treat schizophrenia is a condition called
tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder of the mouth
characterized by a constant chewing motion and darting
action of the tongue. In a study of 22 people with
schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia caused by antipsychotic
medications, those who took melatonin supplements
had significantly reduced mouth movements compared
to those who did not take the supplements.
Benzodiazepines
The combination of melatonin and triazolam (a benzodiazepine
medication used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders)
improved sleep quality in one study. In addition,
there have been a few reports suggesting that melatonin
supplements may help individuals stop using long-term
benzodiazepine therapy. (Benzodiazepines are highly
addictive.)
Blood Pressure Medications
Melatonin may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure
medications like methoxamine and clonidine. In addition,
medications in a class called calcium channel blockers
(such as nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine,
nimodipine, felodipine, nisoldipine, and bepridil)
may decrease melatonin levels.
Use of Beta-Blockers (another class of high
blood pressure medications including propranolol,
acebutolol, atenolol, labetolol, metoprolol, pindolol,
nadolol, sotalol, and timolol) may reduce melatonin
production in the body.
Blood-Thinning Medications, Anticoagulants
Melatonin may increase the risk of bleeding from anticoagulant
medications such as warfarin.
Interleukin-2
In one study of 80 cancer patients, use of melatonin
in conjunction with interleukin-2 led to more tumor
regression and better survival rates than treatment
with interleukin-2 alone.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may reduce the levels of
melatonin in the blood.
Steroids and Immunosuppressant
Medications
People should not take melatonin with corticosteroids
or other medications used to suppress the immune system
because the supplement may cause them to be ineffective.
Tamoxifen
Preliminary research suggests that the combination
of tamoxifen (a chemotherapy drug) and melatonin may
benefit certain patients with breast and other cancers.
More research is needed to confirm these results.
Product Facts
This product is available in a 2 oz, airtight
clinical hygienic pump that helps to protect
the ingredients from oxidation and ensures
the potency of the natural ingredients.
Ingredients: Purified Water,
Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis, Hellanthus Annuus (Sunflower)
Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum
Parki (Shea Butter), Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Laurate,
Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Extract, Sodium Bicarbonate,
Melatonin, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil (and) Tocotrienols
(and) Tocopherol, Sorbic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose,
Lecithin, and Glyceryl Stearate.
Suggested Use: One full
press of Melatonin Creams unique pump-style container
dispenses 3mg of high grade Melatonin. Rotate application
each time between face, hands, chest, inner arms,
and thighs. Take Melatonin at bedtime on international
or extended flights to help regulate sleep. When used
for jet lag, apply 24 hours before trip and then daily
for 5 days in total.
Consult a health care professional before
using this or any product during pregnancy,
when nursing, or if you have a serious medical
condition.
Caution: Not for use by
children, teens, pregnant or nursing women. Melatonin
is a sleep regulator and can cause drowsiness. Do
not operate a vehicle or machinery after taking Melatonin.
Warning: For external use
only. Use only as suggested. Avoid contact with eyes.
Do not apply directly underneath the eye or on top
of the eyelid. Keep out of reach of children.
Manufactured in the USA by Life-Flo Health Care Products.
The Benefits of Melatonin
Cream
Melatonin supplements have been clinically shown
to be an effective treatment for jet lag, sleep disorders
and moodiness. Melatonin appears to be involved in
the natural biorhythm of the body that is known as
the "circadian" rhythm. This refers to the
internally built clock that signals the secretion
of various nutrients at different times to regulate
all body functions.
Melatonin cream by Life-Flo is an excellent, all
natural choice for those who are interested in high
quality anti-aging nutraceuticals. It is paraben-free.
Melatonin
plays a key role as the biological timekeeper.
It is naturally secreted by the pineal gland
located at the base of the brain. The body's
natural production of Melatonin produces
peak levels in the early morning (between
2:00 and 4:00 am) and its lowest levels
in the afternoon.
The production of Melatonin decreases as
we get older. A decrease in Melatonin levels
can lead to a compromised immune system
and an increase in cell disorders, heart
dysfunction, and high blood pressure. Many
medical researchers believe Melatonin supplementation
may help with these conditions.
Melatonin also plays a unique roll as a
powerful anti-oxidant. Unlike other anti-oxidants,
the extremely small size of the Melatonin
molecule allows it to penetrate the cell
membrane. Research shows that Melatonin
may improve brain function and may also
be one of the most powerful anti-aging hormones
yet discovered. Researchers are also studying
its effect on preventing or helping Alzheimer's
and Parkinson's disease.
Furthermore, studies have shown Melatonin to inhibit
several types of cell abnormalities. It seems to not
only inhibit the start, but also the metastasis of
these cell irregularities.
Melatonin Cream can help with:
- Sleep Disorders
- Jet Lag
- Depression
- Superior Anti-Oxidant
- Poor Mood
Other Uses
Fibromyalgia suffers can also use melatonin
in the form of a cream with the same beneficial
effects of an oral form to help with sleep
disorders, depression, and mood.
Note: Melatonin should not be used for
long term supplementation. Those who suffer
from depression and are taking certain prescription
medication are advised against taking melatonin.
