NotEinstein
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Melatonin is a natural chemical produced by our bodies. It regulates our internal clock and sleep patterns. When we travel by jet from west to east or east to west, crossing over several time zones very quickly, our natural melatonin production becomes disrupted. This partially explains why our sleeping patterns are all askew when we travel. Melatonin is now sold as a dietary supplement and marketed as a sleep aid. Melatonin supplements have been recommended to help bring our natural levels of the hormone up, after travelling, in order to reduce the effects of jet lag. For melatonin supplements to work, you must take the proper dosage at the proper time.
When travelling from west to east, on the day of flight, take one dose between 6 pm and 7 pm your originating time – the time from where you are starting. When you arrive at your destination, it will most likely be the next day. On this day, take one dose of melatonin right before going to bed. Continue the dose of melatonin at bedtime for three or four days.
When travelling from east to west, melatonin is not of much use unless you are travelling more than five time zones. If you are travelling more than five time zones, take one dose of melatonin at bed time after you arrive and again for the next three days.
The dosage of melatonin is highly individualistic and varies greatly from person to person. Some people achieve the benefits of melatonin at dosages of 1 mg. Other people need up to 8 mg to benefit from the effects. Discovering how much you need requires some trial and error. Start with 1 mg. If 1 mg doesn’t work, increase the dosage by 1 mg each night until benefits are achieved.
 Posted 5394 day ago
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