Melatonin for Jet Lag

Jet Lag Remedy
Even the most seasoned travelers can succumb to jet lag.  Crossing multiple time zones can set the body's biological clock in a state of chaos, and this can lead to fatigue, irritability, and memory loss.  For many people dealing with jet lag isn't a possibility, because they are traveling for work or at a destination for a short amount of time.  For these cases a melatonin supplement may help to avoid jet lag. 

Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally found within the body.  It is secreted by the pineal gland, and it is used to signal the body to sleep.  Melatonin is interesting, because it is released when the natural light begins to dissipate.  Since it is affected by light it can be a great way to help the body to fall asleep at the proper time. 

It is generally believed that eastward travel is much harder on the body, and it induces a jet lag that is hard to deal with.  Some studies have shown that melatonin can be a great way to help with both westward and eastward travel.  One study conducted at the UK Cochrane Centre in London found melatonin to be a great way to help with jet lag, and they suggest it to travelers crossing five or more time zones.  In nine out of ten trials taking melatonin around bed time after arriving at the destination helped to promote proper sleep.  Melatonin at .5 mg and 5 mg were both helpful, but 5 mg helped to induce sleep quicker.  It was also found that consuming melatonin at levels higher than 5 mg weren't any more helpful. 

Jet Lag Tips
If you're looking to use melatonin to help fight jet lag these two jet lag tips may be helpful.  A melatonin supplement should be taken at dark on the day that you are traveling, and then after dark a couple days after arriving at the new time zone.  Also before traveling to the east, you should try taking melatonin in the evening a few days before travel.

Jet lag will ruin anybodies trip or work schedule, but melatonin can offer great natural sleep help.  It helps the body to avoid jet lag by supporting the body's biological clock and signaling sleep when it becomes dark.  If you find yourself frequently struggling with jet lag, try a melatonin supplement.  It could be just what you need to stave off the irritability, poor memory, and fatigue that accompany poor sleep patterns.