From jet lag to night shift: the many faces of melatonin

From jet lag to night shift: the many faces of melatonin

How melatonin can be useful beyond just treating the effects of jet lag is the subject up for discussion at the latest Café Scientifique event tomorrow.

‘Beyond jet lag: the many faces of melatonin’ will see Professor Helen Galley from the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen lead the discussion into the medical potential of melatonin exploiting its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Professor Galley said: “Melatonin is well known for its effects on sleeping patterns and most people have heard of using melatonin to treat jet lag - that awful feeling when we are trying to be awake whilst our melatonin levels are high and trying to sleep when they are low. It takes roughly one day to adjust to 1 hour of time change, so it takes about 5 days to readjust after a holiday in Florida! The same applies to hospital staff working night shifts- they are attempting to work when their melatonin levels are high.

“In this talk I will tell you about two research trials of melatonin that are ongoing in Aberdeen- one  is investigating the effects of melatonin in staff working night shifts and the other is exploiting the anti-inflammatory effects of melatonin to treat critically ill patients with severe infections.”

The event is part of the University of Aberdeen’s popular Cafe Scientifique series which is hosted by the University’s Public Engagement with Research Unit. The Café Scientifique series, invites leading experts to share the latest in scientific research with the public in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This is set to be an informal and inspiring night aimed at the general public with plenty of time for questions. The event will be held at 7pm in Waterstones on Wednesday 19th April and is free to attend.

Full details of the series and other events in the University’s wider programme can be found at www.engagingaberdeen.co.uk

ENDS

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