Melatonin - The Sleep Drug
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland that is located at the center of the brain. This hormone regulates the body's sleep and wake cycles. The chemical name for melatonin is N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine and this hormone is crucial to the biological circadian rhythm of the body. Melatonin plays the role of helping our bodies to understand when it's time to go to sleep and when to wake up. Melatonin production hinges on the presence of light - more melatonin is synthesized at night when compared to it's day time production. Consequently, prolonged reduced exposure to light during seasonal changes can lead to a sleep disorder or 'winter blues'. This happens on account of increased production of melatonin. Insufficient production of melatonin can lead to insomnia.
Melatonin works as an antioxidant - it protects against cellular aging of the brain cells. It plays a vital role as a protector of the immune system. As melatonin production reduces over time, shortened sleep time is noticed in older persons. Melatonin is prescribed for those suffering from insomnia, stress and jet lag.
Side Effects of Melatonin:
Reported side effects of Melatonin include sleepiness and headache. It has been seen that people on melatonin experience abdominal cramps, dizziness and irritability. Decreased sex drive in men and women is also noticed. Those who suffer from depression tend to experience worsening symptoms. Persons having liver disease or High Blood pressure may be at higher risk of experiencing melatonin side effects. The effects of melatonin when taken along with other medicines is yet to be verified. Melatonin is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or nursing. Women who are trying to conceive must avoid this hormone as it might have contraceptive properties. If you suffer from severe allergies or auto-immune diseases, melatonin might be contraindicated for you.
Dosage of Melatonin: Melatonin is usually taken as 1 - 6 mg tablets daily. Initially larger doses can be taken and subsequently the dosage can be reduced. Typically one capsule of 1 mg is taken at night ½ hour before bedtime. A dosage of 3 mg is sometimes resorted to for severe cases of insomnia.
Worms
Worms are parasites that live and thrive on the human and other bodies. Intestinal Parasites feed off from hosts and can be broadly classified into 2 major groups:
Protozoans: Protozoa are single cell organisms causing many diseases like Amebiasis, Giardiasis, Trichomoniasis,Sleeping Sickness,Dysentery and Malaria.
Helminths or Parasitic Worms: This kind of parasite infects the host through contaminated food, infected uncooked food, unhygienic handling of food or by skin contact with larvae.
Threadworms or pinworms: Thin tiny pinworm thrives in the intestine. They thrive due to poor hygiene. Contact with contaminated objects passes the infection through the eggs that enter through the mouth and thrive in the gut. Contact with cat or dog feces can lead to thread worm infection. Notice them in the early morning stools.
Round Worms: These roundworms can move to eyes and lungs and cause swelling in different body organs. They cause upper abdominal discomfort, insomnia, rashes and eye pain. If left untreated, roundworm infection can lead to appendicitis, loss of appetite and peritonitis.
Tape Worms: These tapeworms are like flat ribbons and can become encrusted in the brain and skin.
Hook Worms: Hookworms burrow into the intestinal walls and feed on the blood. Typical symptoms of hookworm infection are iron deficiency, protein deficiency, stunted growth and delayed puberty.
Pin Worms: Pinworms suppress the immune system and cause problems such as irritation around the anus or vagina, digestive problems and irritability.
Symptoms of worms or parasites infection are:
Anti-parasitic medications are prescribed for threadworms. Increased hygiene is of utmost importance. Washing of hands regularly; especially after using the restroom is vital. Keep fingernails short. Bathe daily and wear clean clothes. Keep the toilet seat disinfected.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by disintegration of clear thinking and emotional responses. It can manifest as paranoia, delusions, hallucinations and disorganized speech and thought. There is social dysfunction.
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually appear in teen years or early adulthood. They develop over a period of time before they take on a serious dimension. Symptoms of schizophrenia include irritability, insomnia, auditory hallucinations, bizarre behavior and attention deficit. Persons suffering schizophrenia often tend to feel suicidal. Paranoid schizophrenia manifests in anxiety that others are trying to harm you and your loved ones.
Schizophrenia is caused by genetic or neuro developmental defects. Developmental background also plays a role. Diagnosing Schizophrenia is not easy. Anti psychotic medications are prescribed for schizophrenia. They affect the balance of chemicals in the brain and can help control symptoms of schizophrenia. They might lead to side-effects such as weight gain, tremors, dizziness and sleepiness. Clozapine is prescribed to treat schizophrenia. The person suffering from schizophrenia must be aided in getting plenty of sleep and rest. Learn to manage stress better. Regular exercise also proves to be beneficial.
Bibliography / Reference
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