Re:Optimal Light Exposure for Rapidly Correcting Circadian M...
by quotient on Saturday April 26, 2014 @03:08AM
(#7650672)
I couldn't find any statements backing up your claim that Melatonin shrinks brains; in fact, I found allegations to the opposite: Melatonin appears to have neuroprotective properties.[0] I suggest you cite your sources, especially when making sweeping claims like "it's well understood as...", "easily found stuff", etc.
[0] http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2013/sep2013_Melatonin-The-Br...
Re:Optimal Light Exposure for Rapidly Correcting Circadian M...
by konstruktor on Saturday April 26, 2014 @02:52AM
(#7650657)
If "stuff" is so easily found, why don't you reference it?
Nobody has a melatonin deficiency; you don't need melatonin levels to get restful sleep. If stress hormone levels are low you can fall asleep under bright lights with no melatonin.
I can't say taking 5mg every now and then would be harmful to humans, but when you understand melatonin's essential role as the winter hibernation hormone, and consider the animal experiments, I think you might want to prefer other means to get to sleep. Personally, I find diphenhydramine (benadryl) pretty good for occasional help nodding off. And that's very clearly safe for occasional use.