Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own connective tissues. This causes systemic inflammation, resulting in stiff, swollen and painful joints. Chronic pain, such as the pain that occurs with rheumatoid arthritis, can interfere with normal sleep patterns. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates your sleep cycle and may affect not only the symptoms of RA, but the underlying disease itself.
About RA
Aching joints are common with most kinds of arthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis causes systemic inflammation, resulting in debilitating fatigue, fever and muscle weakness. RA is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, affecting more than 1 million Americans. According to the Arthritis Foundation, people often develop RA between 30 to 60 years of age. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is the most common kind of arthritis, RA typically affects women more than men and involves joints on both sides of the body. Nobody knows what causes RA, but researchers are investigating whether genes, microorganisms or environmental factors trigger the disease. Physicians treat RA with lifestyle changes, immune-suppressing drugs and anti-inflammatory medicines.
About Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is located in the brain. Your body produces higher levels of serotonin at night and less during the daytime to regulate your sleep cycle, so your body knows when to rest and when to wake up. Scientists refer to this as your circadian rhythm, an internal clock that regulates your sleeping and waking schedule. Different things can disrupt your circadian rhythm, including jet lag, late work shifts and chronic pain. Some people use melatonin supplements to ease anxiety, combat jet lag and help restore a normal sleeping pattern. However, melatonin supplements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for any of these conditions.
Research Studies
Research shows that melatonin may increase immune system activity, making it counterproductive for people with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. A study published in the October 2007 issue of the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" evaluated melatonin's effect on RA. Study results showed a marked increase in inflammatory markers and immune system activity. A previous study in the 2005 issue of "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" showed a connection between inflammatory chemicals called cytokines and melatonin. The study noted that melatonin increases inflammatory cytokine production and may play a disease-promoting role in RA.
Warnings
Although melatonin occurs naturally in the body, excessive amounts in the blood can be dangerous. Toxic levels can cause a headache, drowsiness and upset stomach, which usually occur due to over-supplementation of the hormone. Immune-suppressant medications are commonly used to treat RA, but melatonin can decrease their effectiveness and lead to a flareup in disease activity. Seek immediate medical attention for signs of an allergic reaction, which include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips, face or throat. Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin supplements or any new alternative medicine.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Melatonin; Steven D. Ehrlich N.M.D.; December 2009
- "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Caroline M. Forrest, et al.; October 2007
- "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases"; The Melatonin-cytokine Connection in Rheumatoid Arthritis; M. Cutolo, et al.; 2005
- Drugs.com; Melatonin; April 2009
