Cindy Monroe was a busy stay-at home mom of two boys. She volunteered at her son

Question

Cindy Monroe was a busy stay-at home mom of two boys. She volunteered at her son's schools, took care of her mom (after several strokes, she needed more help), and took pride in maintaining a tidy and clean home. Lately, she had been having problems sleeping. Her friends told her to take some sleeping aid pills, but those made her feel groggy in the morning. She was also afraid that if she slept too well, and might miss hearing her boys in the middle of the night if they had a problem. This gave her even more anxiety. Another friend mentioned that the active ingredient in those sleep aids is the same as in allergy medications-and to be sure to not overdose! That really terrified Mrs. Monroe. She decided to try something 'all natural': melatonin. Her cousin used it all the time to deal with jet-lag (the downfall of all those trips to Paris), so why not try it?

Explanation / Answer

Jet-lag is defined as a physiological condition in which body's circadian rhythm (sleep-awake cycle) is altered due to rapid long-distance trans-meridian (east–west or west–east) travel. The melatonin is produced by the pineal gland which has a greater role in circadian rhythm. Melatonin is screted in dim light or darkness in humans and it is eliminated by light. Melatonin administration may be effective in reducing jet-lag symptoms. The required dose for melatonin ranges from 0.5mg to 5mg. Small doses–as little as 0.5mg–seem to be just as effective for reducing jet lag symptoms; however, higher doses may be better at promoting sleep. Melatonin is taken 20-30 minutes before sleep.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.