MELATONIN controls depression

Many studies suggest MELATONIN levels control mood-related symptoms, such as those associated with depression - especially SAD (winter depression, when days are shorter and light exposure is minimal).

• In a study published in May 2006 - researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) found that MELATONIN relieved SAD. The study found insomniacs are "out of phase"with circadian rhythms and natural sleeping times. Exposure to bright lights or by taking a MELATONIN supplement at a certain time of day can resynchronize your biological clock. The treatment depends on exactly HOW the person is out of phase.

Archives of General Psychiatry 1998;55:863-864,875-882,883-889,890-896.

• A 2010 study - found a correlation between circadian misalignment and severity of depression symptoms.

• Studies have linked low MELATONIN levels to depression in several populations - including multiple sclerosis patients and post-menopausal women.

• Bipolar and other disorders where circadian disturbances are involved - Supersensitivity to light has been an observed trait-marker for bipolar disorder, which causes a greater decrease in MELATONIN secretion in response to nighttime light exposure. This is contrasted with drug-free recovered bipolar people not showing light hypersensitivity.

Supersensitivity to light: possible trait marker for manic-depressive illness.

MELATONIN response to bright light in recovered, drug-free, bipolar patients.