Melatonin may worsen nocturnal asthma symptoms - Brief Article

Melatonin, a hormone that is available in a number of over-the-counter sleep aids, may contribute to worsening nocturnal asthma, according to a Sept 10, 2003, news release from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Melatonin is naturally produced by the body's pineal gland and regulates the body's circadian rhythms, such as eating and sleeping. Millions of Americans purchase medications containing melatonin to treat jet lag or insomnia; however, recent studies have shown that melatonin enhances allergic airway inflammation and may have an adverse effects on asthma symptoms.

In one study, researchers evaluated melatonin levels in healthy patients, patients with nocturnal asthma, and patients with nonnocturnal asthma. They found that patients with nocturnal asthma had significantly higher melatonin levels than healthy participants, and higher melatonin levels were associated with worsening of nocturnal asthma.

Nocturnal Asthma Worsened by Melatonin (news release, Milwaukee: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Sept 10, 2003) http://www.aaaai.org/me dia/news_releases/2003/09/091003.stm (accessed 16 Aug 2002).

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