Does Melatonin Work for Jet Lag?

If you poll your friends on Facebook and ask them how to prevent jet lag while traveling, invariably, someone is going to bring up the idea of taking a melatonin supplement.

But, is this an urban legend or a statement of fact?

According to the folks at Mayo Clinic, “melatonin is a hormone in your body that plays a role in sleep. The production and release of melatonin in the brain is connected to the time of day, increasing when it’s dark and decreasing when it’s light. Melatonin production declines with age. People commonly use melatonin for sleep disorders, such as insomnia and jet lag. Unlike many sleep medications, you are unlikely to become dependent on melatonin, have a diminished response after repeated use (habituation) or experience a hangover effect”.

Well, Mayo Clinic, that’s all well and good, but does it work to treat jet lag?

Their answer? “Evidence shows that melatonin can modestly improve jet lag symptoms, such as alertness.”

For the complete story on melatonin and jet lag from Mayo Clinic, CLICK HERE.

So, what say you? 

Have you used Melatonin to help reduce the effects of jet lag?  And, did it work?  Leave us a comment below and share your experience.
 
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