Melatonin and Jet Lag: The Srutiny Continues

There's a fair deal of conjecture out there about the benefits of melatonin for providing relief from the symptoms of jet lag. For those who have considered melatonin for jet lag relief, there are some things to consider.

1. Melatonin is a hormone that is available without prescription.
   This does not mean that it is without side-effects. More info
   



2. Melatonin dosages and administration times are a difficult to determine.
   See the following article. Here.
   
   
3. Some data are not favorable toward the efficacy of artificial supplements.
   It is reasonable to conclude that synthetic forms of melatonin are no different from artificial supplements. Taking synthetic melatonin may not be the best choice for jet lag relief. Here's an alternative .
   


4. Even if taking melatonin, modified exposure to light is still recommended
   Since most "jet lag relief" equations require solar exposure, could it be possible that the sun is a more direct agent in regulating sleep patterns than melatonin? Chinese meridian theory actually accounts for the physiological effects on the body throughout the day. This knowledge can be applied to provide Jet Lag Freedom.
   

Here are some other things to ponder:

1. Is it fair to assume that melatonin is the best solution for jet lag? Conclusions about the efficacy of melatonin are largely based upon observations of brain function. At first this sounds assuring, but it is not a stretch to infer that, despite the sophistication of such observations, there's a lot more to it. In other words, it is over zealous to infer that oral administration of a pineal hormone influenced by light will reliably relieve jet lag.



2. If light or more precisely the sun are instrumental to regulating sleep cycles, what empirical systems account for the role of the sun on body systems? Would you believe that Chinese meridian theory, which has existed over 2000 years, is calibrated to the sun?



3. Since some studies find melatonin ineffective for jet lag, could it be possible that those responding favorably are under placebo effect?
   Placebo is not all bad if a busy traveler finds relief from the hectic toll that inter-time zone travel takes on one's sleep patterns. However, accessing a physiological system that can allow you to "reset" your circadian patterns may prove more beneficial.
   

Well folks, when anything is truly cast under the microscope of scrutiny questions are bound to emerge. Melatonin is a hormone that is influenced by the sun. Hopefully, with continued research into the workings of the pituitary, we will understand its complex mechanisms sufficiently to warrant the use of melatonin for jet lag. Until then, its use and benefits may be only attributable the effects of many "folk medicines." I guess it's just which folks you choose to believe.