X-Message-Number: 4866
Date: 11 Sep 95 11:37:29 EDT
From: "Kent, Saul" <>
Subject: Melatonin

	The Life Extension Foundation has been selling melatonin since
1992. We've found that 8 of 10 people who take it report that they sleep
better at night. Some controlled studies, with much smaller samples, have
reported 100% improvement in sleep after taking melatonin.
	I have yet to see any evidence that time-release melatonin is
better than regular melatonin as a sleep aid. Since the peak melatonin
level that occurs every night (usually between 2AM and 4AM) may be
important for optimal sleep, it's not clear that time-release melatonin
is necessarily better than regular melatonin.
	On the other hand, there are vitamins and minerals that help to
promote relaxation and sleep, which we've added to melatonin in a new
product called NATURAL SLEEP. Uncontrolled tests with this product
suggests that it may be better than plain melatonin for sleep. If
anyone's interested, they can call: 1-800-841-5433 in the U.S. Or
1-305-966-4886 elsewhere.
	Food restriction does raise melatonin levels in animals, although
I have yet to see evidence that it does so in humans. 
	The Foundation will soon be offering an update of Roy Walford's
computer program, which is designed to help you restrict the calories in
your diet healthfully. Dr. Walford's current book (the name escapes me)
may be available in bookstores. His earlier books (MAXIMUM LIFESPAN and
the 120-YEAR DIET) may not.

---Saul Kent


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