The Relevance of Melatonin to Sports Medicine and Science
Source: Sports Medicine, Volume 33, Number 11, 2003 , pp.
809-831(23) Publisher: Adis International Abstract:The pineal
hormone, melatonin, has widespread effects on the body. The aim
of this review is to consider the specific interactions between
melatonin and human physiological functions associated with
sport and exercise medicine. Separate researchers have reported
that melatonin concentrations increase, decrease and remain
unaffected by bouts of exercise. Such conflicting findings may
be explained by inter-study differences in lighting conditions
and the time of day the study participants have exercised. Age
and fitness status have also been identified as intervening
factors in exercise-mediated changes in melatonin concentration.
The administration of exogenous melatonin leads to hypnotic and
hypothermic responses in humans, which can be linked to
immediate reductions in short-term mental and physical
performance. Depending on the dose of melaton