Scott Alexander examines melatonin's effects, proper dosage, and uses for sleep disorders and circadian rhythm issues, emphasizing its dual role as a hypnotic and chronobiotic. Longer summary

Scott Alexander provides an in-depth analysis of melatonin, its effects, and proper usage. He explains that melatonin functions as both a hypnotic (inducing sleep) and a chronobiotic (shifting circadian rhythms). The post covers optimal dosing (0.3 mg, much lower than commonly available doses), use in treating circadian rhythm disorders, jet lag, and potential connections to other psychiatric conditions like seasonal affective disorder and depression. Scott also discusses personal experiences with melatonin, including its tendency to cause early waking and vivid dreams in some people. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander reviews a wide range of treatments for anxiety disorders, from lifestyle changes and therapy to medications and alternative remedies, emphasizing the importance of exploring multiple options. Longer summary

Scott Alexander provides an extensive overview of various treatments for anxiety disorders, covering diet and lifestyle changes, therapy options, conventional medications, and alternative treatments. He emphasizes the importance of lifestyle interventions like exercise and sleep, discusses the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, and reviews various medication classes including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines. The post also explores alternative treatments like supplements and experimental drugs, concluding that while no single treatment stands out as extremely effective, there are many options available for those dealing with anxiety. Shorter summary

A collection of interesting links from March 2014 covering science, politics, law, religion and culture, with Scott's commentary on each. Longer summary

This is a links post collecting various interesting articles and curiosities from March 2014. It covers a wide range of topics including scientific publishing scandals, police body cameras, religious interpretation, legal oddities, and cultural debates. The post maintains a light, humorous tone while sharing these varied items, often adding Scott's own commentary or observations. The links are diverse, ranging from serious studies about inequality and police behavior to humorous items like unusual legal cases and internet memes. Shorter summary