The synthetic version of the natural hormone melatonin, which influences sleep cycles, is available as a dietary supplement. More melatonin equals better sleep for many people. In fact, melatonin is becoming an increasingly popular sleep aid for people whose health conditions cause insomnia or other sleep disturbances. Whether it has any other positive effects for conditions such as Parkinson's disease remains to be seen.
Parkinson's Symptoms
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that causes a number of well-known side effects, including tremors, rigid muscles and difficulty walking. While the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that there are over 50,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease every year, no one knows exactly what causes it. Potential triggers include genetics, the environment and even viruses. Most people who get Parkinson's disease are males over the age of 60; however, the NINDS reports that even young women can be diagnosed with the disease. Many people with Parkinson's require daily medications to slow the progression of the disease. While these are often prescription drugs, complementary therapies like dietary supplements can play a role in Parkinson's management as well.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a dietary supplement. Melatonin is the synthetic form of the hormone naturally present in everyone's body, and is sold over the counter as a natural sleep aid. Traditionally, it has been used by those whose circadian rhythms were thrown off due to travel or shift work, a use for which it has been proven effective. However, melatonin can also be used to treat secondary insomnia, or sleep problems that are symptoms of another disorder. In addition, melatonin's use for other purposes is currently undergoing research. These include its pre-surgery sedative effects and its antioxidant properties.
Parkinson's and Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances are a common symptom for people with Parkinson's disease. In addition to nightmares and daytime drowsiness, those with Parkinson's may have difficulty falling asleep at their desired time, and may also have trouble staying asleep. While melatonin might seem like an ideal answer, there is currently little research into its use by the Parkinson's population. According to MayoClinic.com, there is some evidence that it may help people who suffer from Alzheimer's sleep more soundly. In addition, there is also evidence that melatonin can help the elderly sleep better. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that those over 55 years of age tend to have less natural melatonin than the younger crowd. However, melatonin's relationship with Parkinson's sleep disturbances is not clear at this time.
Guidelines for Use
Though sleep can be a problem for those with Parkinson's, there is little medication that can help this population. The NINDS cautions those with Parkinson's against using any sleep aids without first discussing their use with their doctors. This includes natural sleep products like melatonin. Melatonin may increase drowsiness during the day, which is also a side effect of Parkinson's disease. Melatonin can also interfere with certain medications that act on the brain, including those someone with Parkinson's may take. As an alternative, you can try turning the lights down an hour or two before bedtime and avoiding any unnecessary activity later in the evening.
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