Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin helps maintain optimal levels of other hormones and the sleep-awake cycle also called circadian rhythm. It appears that the levels of melatonin in the body lower as we age. Research studies have found melatonin to be a powerful antioxidant with immune boosting qualities. Melatonin has also been assessed for possible benefits in managing migraine headaches, and preliminary studies show positive results. If you suffer from migraines and consider taking melatonin, you should first talk to your health care provider.
Research
According to a study published in a 2006 issue of "CNS Drugs," melatonin and the pineal glad are directly involved in the development of migraines. The authors explain that environmental stresses influence the production of melatonin. Research studies also showed that supplementation with this hormone improved symptoms of migraines. Overall, melatonin appears to be a useful therapy for managing migraines, and further research is needed to confirm these findings. University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) also notes the promising effects of melatonin for migraines from preliminary studies. The daily dose suggested for adult is 5 mg melatonin before bedtime.
Melatonin For Children
A study conducted at La Sapienza University, Italy, and featured in the September 2008 issue of "Neurological Sciences" evaluated the benefits of melatonin for treating migraines in children. This was a three-month open trial in which 22 children between the ages of 6 and 16 received 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime. Headache attacks were reduced by more than 50 percent during the treatment with melatonin in 14 of the children. UMMC suggests that children should not receive more than 0.3 mg daily of melatonin because the safety of higher doses is not confirmed.
Drug Interactions
Melatonin may interact with a variety of drugs, including medications used for depression and psychotic disorders as well as with sleeping pills, blood thinners, steroids and certain drugs used for managing high blood pressure. The levels of melatonin in the body are decreased by a class of drugs called beta blockers. Beta blockers are used in conventional medicine for treating migraines.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care professional to find out more about supplementation with melatonin and any other natural products that may help your condition. Keep in mind that melatonin does not replace any conventional drugs prescribed for headache migraines. It is not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat migraine headaches or other medical conditions.
References
- University of Maryland, Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- University of Maryland: Melatonin
- "CNS Drugs"; Role of Melatonin in the Pathophysiology of Migraine: Implications for Treatment; B.Vogler et al; 2006
- "Neurological Sciences"; Melatonin to Prevent Migraine or Tension-type Headache in Children; S. Miano et al; September, 2008
