In a message dated 99-07-19 00:46:36 EDT, Emlyn.ORegan@actew.com.au (O'Regan, Emlyn) wrote:
> I remember reading about Melatonin - is it useful in this context? Are there
> other drugs/supplements which can help with a freaky sleep cycle?
I started using melatonin when I was traveling overseas frequently and found that it worked very well to adjust my diurnal cycle quickly and with no noticeable side-effects. About 2 years ago, after reading about how the body's natural melatonin production begins to decline from about age 30 on and its important anti-oxidant functions, I began taking melatonin regularly here at home, 3 mg one-half hour before bedtime. My sleep has certainly improved and I've had no adverse side-effects (and I get regular, in-depth medical exams).
I don't know what sort of effects there might be from using melatonin on a regular basis to shift one's diurnal cycle back and forth, but don't believe experimenting with it for a while would be harmful.
Greg Burch <GBurch1@aol.com>----<gburch@lockeliddell.com> Attorney ::: Vice President, Extropy Institute ::: Wilderness Guide http://users.aol.com/gburch1 -or- http://members.aol.com/gburch1 "Civilization is protest against nature; progress requires us to take control of evolution." -- Thomas Huxley