Melatonin

It all began way back in 1996 when I moved to Dublin Ireland to become Managing Director of Gateway’s European facility. My job required that I travel frequently back and forth between our Ireland and South Dakota. At a minimum, I was making two round trips a month between Sioux City, IA and Dublin, Ireland. Although I was not a rookie traveler, all the travel made me experience jet lag like never before.

That’s when I learned about Melatonin. At the time, it was being declared a wonder drug. I remember it was on the cover of Time magazine. Not only was it a great cure for jet lag, it was also said to have anti aging and anti cancer properties.

Melatonin is a natural chemical made by the human body. It is said to control our body clock and hence the treatment for jet lag. The first time I took melatonin, it was incredible. It was one of the strongest and most peaceful rests of my entire life. Plus my body clock was immediately reset. I thought if I can sleep so strongly every night, then certainly I will be more healthy, and age better. It just made sense.

So from that point forward, I began taking melatonin each and every day. Gradually, I moved up to 2 X 3mg tablets. Each night, at 10:30pm, I would take my two tablets until it was firmly engrained in my lifestyle. I actually began feeling nervous when I began to run low. Note: melatonin is a non addictive drug. I was feeling nervous because I felt it would interrupt my lifestyle should I run out.

Fast forward 10 years to the present time. Last month, I was having a minor stomach pain. Through the years, I had always had some minor bouts with stomach aches, but this time was different. It was very minor, but it was lasting weeks. I was able to do all my normal things. Run around the lake, eat heartily, everything. But after a few weeks, it was becoming annoying. I tried everything. I stopped all alcohol, watched what I eat, and I even fasted. Nothing worked. Then I went to the doctor, and he did a full series of exams. All came back normal.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. MELATONIN. I immediately stopped taking the pills, and the next day the stomach pain was gone. Initially, I was worried that I wold not sleep as well, but the opposite is true. I am sleeping better than I can ever remember. It is always a very deep sleep. Sometimes, I might only sleep for 6 hours, but it feels like I slept for 10. And then sometimes, I will sleep for 9, but always it is a strong and sound sleep. I feel like a new man, and if anyone is taking melatonin, STOP! You won’t believe what a difference it makes.