Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone formed from
serotonin, is associated with the biological clock, and, more importantly, the sleep cycle.
Dream Information
Melatonin has been shown to increase length of
REM sleep and to increase the wakefulness of the latter half of your sleep. This can be helpful in promoting lucidity. According to Wikipedia: Many melatonin users have reported an increase in the vividness or frequency of dreams. High doses of melatonin (50mg) dramatically increased REM sleep time and dream activity in both narcoleptic and normal people. Another effect of Melatonin is to improve sleep continuity. This can be bad for dream recall for those who often wake after an REM phase (and therefore remembering the dream).
Biological Information
Melatonin production is inhibited by daytime light levels, and increased during darkness, and so night workers suffer from a lack of this, and often wake up feeling tired. Low levels of melatonin have been linked to cancer.
Health
It is recommended you consult with a trained professional before taking melatonin supplements, if at all.
Melatonin may affect children and elderly to an increased degree.
Unverified claims
It suppresses
REM and encourages deep sleep. The reason it is known as a lucid aid is because during the latter hours of sleep, after the effects of the melatonin are wearing off, the REM rebound effect takes place. This is the body trying to compensate for the reduced REM in the beginning of the night.
References
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