Robert V. Johnson, M.D., a neonatologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., says this study provides further evidence that sleep position affects breathing, but more research is necessary. The study is published in the September issue of Archives of Disease in Childhood. We report here only on the sleep and jet lag areas. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the body. Its secretion is inhibited by environmental light and stimulated by darkness, therefore, melatonin production peaks at night.
Research indicates that the natural production of melatonin decreases with age.
Melatonin has received substantial publicity for its ability to regulate natural sleep patterns. Nine studies were reviewed. Institutionalized children and those with severe learning disorders often have irregular sleep-wake patterns. There is preliminary evidence that melatonin administration might result in improvements for both the child and the caregivers. Even elite world-class athletes, who might eventually travel over many time zones to compete in such events as the Olympics, have been studied to determine if melatonin can benefit them by raising their body temperature to coincide with their competitive schedules.