Description

The Melatonin Profile Saliva Test provides valuable insights into your sleep patterns by measuring melatonin levels throughout the day. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, and understanding how your body produces it can help identify disruptions in sleep or circadian rhythm. This test is particularly useful for those experiencing sleep disturbances or insomnia.

Key Details:

  • Test Purpose: Provides a snapshot of your melatonin levels at various points during the day to assess the balance of your sleep-wake cycle.
  • Test Timing: Accurate timing during collection is critical for reliable results.
  • Collection Method: Saliva samples collected at home. Allow 8 business days (not including transportation time) for results after submission.

What’s Included in the Test:

  1. Melatonin Evening
  2. Melatonin Morning
  3. Melatonin Night

These three samples provide a full picture of how melatonin fluctuates throughout the day and night. This can help identify patterns that may be affecting your sleep.

Important Instructions for Collection Timing:

  1. If You Are a Menstruating Woman:
  • Collect samples 5-9 days before the end of your cycle.
  • For a typical 28-day cycle, collect on Days 19-23 (with Day 1 being the first day of your period).
  1. If You Are Not a Menstruating Woman:
  • You can collect your sample on any day, as timing isn’t linked to your menstrual cycle.

Special Considerations for Those on Hormones or Glucocorticoids:

  • Topical hormones (cream): Last dose should be 12-24 hours before your first sample collection.
  • Sublingual hormones or troches: Last dose should be 24-36 hours before collecting your first sample.
  • Oral hormones: Continue as normal.
  • Injections, subcutaneous pellets, or transdermal patches: Collect samples at the halfway point between doses. For example, 3 days after a once-a-week injection.
  • Cortisol/glucocorticoid supplements: Consult your healthcare provider for specific timing and dosage.

Preparation Before Collection:

  1. 48 Hours Before Collection:
  • Avoid the following foods: Nuts, nut butter, fruit, fruit juice, wine, rice.
  • Do not take melatonin supplements for at least 36 hours before collecting your first sample.
  1. Day of Collection:
  • Avoid the following throughout the entire day:
  • Nuts, nut butter, fruit, fruit juice, wine, rice
  • Foods and drinks containing caffeine (including coffee)
  • Anti-aging creams
  • Dietary supplements
  • Non-essential medications
  • Do not discontinue any prescription medications without consulting your healthcare provider.
  • Topical or sublingual hormones: Follow the dosing schedule as previously stated.
  1. Before Each Saliva Collection:
  • 1 hour before collection: Do not drink or eat anything.
  • 30 minutes before collection: Do not brush your teeth, floss, or have dental work done.
  • First Saliva Collection: Must be 30 minutes after waking.
  1. Correct Timing is Crucial: The first sample must be collected exactly 30 minutes after waking to ensure accurate results. Subsequent collections should follow the schedule provided.

Collection Instructions:

  • Sample 1 (Morning): Collect 30 minutes after waking.
  • Sample 2 (Evening): Collect in the evening.
  • Sample 3 (Night): Collect before bed.

Storage & Shipping:

  • Storage: Keep your saliva samples frozen until shipping.
  • Shipping Days: Samples should be shipped Monday – Friday only to avoid delays over the weekend.
  • Do NOT use FedEx drop boxes to send your samples.

Summary:

The Melatonin Profile Saliva Test provides key insights into your sleep-wake cycle and melatonin production. By following the precise collection instructions and timing, you can better understand disruptions in your sleep patterns, which could potentially help identify the underlying causes of sleep disturbances.

Make sure to follow all preparation and timing guidelines carefully, as accuracy is essential to the reliability of your test results. If you're taking medications or hormones, ensure you're following the correct timing to avoid skewing your results. After submitting your sample, expect results within 8 business days.