Health And Nutrition Supplements: Melatonin For Migraines Or Headaches

Melatonin is not just a sleep aid. If you suffer from headaches or migraines, you should consider taking this supplement for relief.

People all over the world suffer daily from tension headaches and migraines. Tension headaches are caused from everyday stress. Symptoms of tension headache include tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, and scalp. Migraines are an extremely painful and disabling form of headache that is caused by the narrowing then sudden dilation of the arteries in and around the brain. They can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Migraines usually start on one side of the head and can eventually include the entire head. Symptoms of migraine include dizziness, partial numbness of the body, blurred or spotty vision, nausea, and sensitivities to light and odor. Migraines can be triggered by diet, stress, weather changes, light reflections, or perfumes. If you have migraines for more than 15 days in each month, you have what is called chronic migraine.

If you suffer from headaches or migraines, try ice on the forehead or top of the head. If cold seems to make the headache worse try heat to relax the tight muscles. A hot shower or bath can also help to relax the whole body and the mind. Headaches cause us to be more sensitive to light and sound so relaxing in a dark, quiet room can help the pain go away much quicker. Sometimes a good scalp massage with the fingertips also helps.

You should also consider taking the supplement Melatonin for treatment of headaches and migraines. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the center of the brain by the pineal gland. The pineal gland produces Melatonin as darkness falls and suppresses it in the light. The Melatonin is released into the blood stream and makes you sleepy. It remains active for about 12 hours, long enough to get a good night's sleep. Melatonin is a natural clock for our bodies. It regulates the timing and release of female reproductive hormones. It affects menstrual cycles and menopause. Melatonin also regulates our body temperature. It is great for jet lag symptoms such as headache, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.It is also a very important antioxidant and helps to strengthen the immune system.

Most living organisms produce Melatonin. In mammals it regulates the mating season and hibernation. In reptiles and amphibians it regulates changes in skin colors. Melatonin was identified in 1958 when the hormone was isolated from the pineal glands of cattle. In the 1980's Melatonin was studied very intently because so many people were interested in what it could do for them. In children, Melatonin level is high, but as we age the pineal gland shrinks and the level of this hormone is reduced. It has also been found that Melatonin production is low in people who suffer from migraines. Headaches and migraines are not curable but can be manageable with Melatonin.

Melatonin is a non-prescription supplement that is easily obtainable at any health store. It is a non-addictive supplement. Do not take Melatonin if you are pregnant or nursing and always consult your physician if you have health problems or are taking prescription medications. Carefully read the directions or consult your physician for the proper dosages. Side effects of Melatonin can include stomach cramps, irritability, dizziness, and decreased libido.

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