Thread: Putting an End to Misinformation

Originally Posted by nina

Also, melatonin does not really have such an effect as you describe. It helps people get to sleep by lowering core temperature and advancing sleep on cycle. But it doesn't have much, if any, effect on REM when taken before bed.

Not to argue, but here is a direct quote from Advanced Lucid Dreaming: The Power of Supplements by Thomas Yuschak

"Melatonin is a hormone that is released from the pineal gland and is thought to help us fall to sleep. Since Melatonin production is enhanced in darkness and decreased by light exposure it is often said that Melatonin has some control over our circadian rhythm and has the ability to reset our internal clocks. For this reason, Melatonin is sometimes used to reduce jet lag. Although Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin and 5-HTP is synthesized to serotonin, they both have a similar effect on sleep: both can help you fall to sleep and both can cause vivid dreams as the doses are wearing off."

"Melatonin has been shown clinically to increase the time spent in REM sleep in the morning hours (as the dose is wearing off). It is theorized that this phenomena is due to a REM rebound effect."

Although admittedly, its short half-life makes it a second choice to 5-HTP.