Protocol Summary
|
Ranking |
Nutritional =
Supplements |
Botanicals |
| Primary |
Melatonin |
|
Nutritional Supplement Treatment Options=20
–––
Melatonin
Melatonin=20
is a natural hormone that regulates the human biological clock and =
appears to be=20
helpful in relieving symptoms of jet lag. One double-blind trial, =
involving=20
fifty-two international flight crew members taking either melatonin or a =
placebo=20
for three days before and five days after an international flight, found =
that=20
melatonin significantly reduced symptoms of jet lag and resulted in a =
quicker=20
recovery of pre-flight energy levels and alertness.1
Another double-blind study compared various amounts of =
melatonin=20
in 234 individuals who traveled through six to eight time =
zones.2 Either fast-release or=20
controlled-release melatonin formulations were taken HS for four days =
after the=20
flight. The fast-release products were found to be more effective than =
the=20
controlled-release. The 5 mg and 0.5 mg fast-release melatonin were =
almost=20
equally effective for improving sleep quality, time it took to fall =
asleep, and=20
daytime sleepiness.
Contraindications
Refer to the individual =
supplement=20
for information about any side effects or interactions.
References:
1. Petrie K, Dawson AG, Thompson L, et al. A =
double-blind trial=20
of melatonin as a treatment for jet lag in international cabin crew. =
Bio=20
Psych 1993;33(7):526–30.
2. Suhner A, Schlagenhauf P, =
Johnson R, et al.=20
Comparative study to determine the optimal melatonin dosage form for the =
alleviation of jet lag. Chronobiol Int=20
1998;15:655–66
