Is MSM Natural or Not? :

MSM can be found naturally in foods, but it is marketed as a dietary supplement. 

Blum JM, Blum RI. The effect of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the control of snoring. Integrative Medicine 2004;3(6)24-30

Pharmacology of melatonin

Complicated biochemical processes are associated with sleep. The realms of biochemistry, the queen of molecular medicine, offers insights into the complicated biology of sleep processes and associated disorders.

What is melatonin?

-- Melatonin-- hormone-- pineal gland-- , a small gland in the brain, It is produced in the body from an essential amino acid, constituent of body proteins, knows as L-tryptophan. A derivative of L-tryptophan, 5HTP, found in warm milk aids in sleeping. This substance 5-HTP, is converted to melatonin in the brain.

The pineal gland has been thought to be linked to conscience, cognition and emotions. For this reason, medicines prescribed for sleep and problems such as apnia, may have implications fo habit forming as they tinker with the workings of the brain.  Small amounts of melatonin are found in foods such as meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is also available as a -- dietary supplement-- , though it has no known nutritional value. It is available as  a nutritional supplement.

What does natural melatonin do in the body?

Your body has its own internal clock that helps regulate your natural cycle of sleeping and waking hours (or -- circadian rhythm-- ) in part by controlling the production of melatonin. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise in the mid- to late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then decline in the early morning hours.

Natural melatonin production is partly affected by light. During the shorter days of the winter months, melatonin production may start earlier or, more often, later. This change can lead to symptoms of -- seasonal affective disorder--  (SAD), or winter -- depression--