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Based on the Natural Standard, the 2011 edition of Berkeley Wellness also endorses
use of melatonin for insomnia or to promote better sleep, but only for occasional
short-term use.
The Mayo Clinic goes further than most sources in stating flatly that "melatonin can
promote sleep." But Mayo recommends using melatonin for occasional jet lag or
difficulty in making any other sleep adjustment, not for insomnia, which is the critical
area of controversy.
Weil is even more positive, speaking for himself, stating that: “I take [melatonin] most
nights both for its effect on sleep and dreaming, and its useful influence on immunity.”^4
- SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES--\NEUROPROTECTION:
In addition to sleep disorders, Brown et al. assert that melatonin: “has numerous neuro-
protective properties,” has “anti-excitotoxic effects,” “suppresses lipid peroxidation”
and increases the effect of anti-oxidants.^5 Thus, they suggest that “melatonin may
possibly improve cognitive function to some extent in long-term use, with its
strongest effects being preventative.”^6 They add that the relative melatonin deficit
associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases might indicate a preventative
effect with supplementation. But the single study cited by Brown,^7 while showing
Alzheimer’s symptom improvement with melatonin supplementation, showed no
mental status improvement compared to the placebo group.
Brown et al. comment that, “In elderly patients, including those with Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's disease, melatonin in doses of 3 to 9 mg at bedtime can help to improve
sleep, mood, memory, and sundowning. It may slow progression of cognitive decline in
patients with early Alzheimer's disease. Melatonin may have a role in long term
prevention of neuro-degeneration, particularly if it is started at the age of 40 or 45.”^8
Berkeley Wellness makes no mention of use of melatonin for any kind of cognitive
function, stating that the evidence is conflicting or inconclusive.
- SUGGESTED BUT UNPROVEN USES: INSOMNIA:
