You can learn everything you need to know about melatonin in this post. We will talk about what melatonin is, what melatonin does, how we get it, and if supplements can help.
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is known as the sleep hormone or the hormone of darkness. You produce melatonin naturally. It is the only hormone produced in your pineal gland in response to darkness.
Melatonin levels vary in your body by time. There is up to 10x more melatonin in your body during the night than during the day. This hormone also varies by season with higher levels in autumn and winter than spring and summer.
Melatonin is responsible for your circadian rhythm. This means that it helps control your sleep and awake cycle. It may also be responsible for issues you may have when you pull an all-nighter or work during the night for your job.
Melatonin levels can also be affected by prolonged exposure to blue light such as laptops, TVs, and smartphones
Natural Melatonin Production
Your body produces melatonin naturally while you sleep. This production drops through life, but most significantly at puberty. Melatonin is produced by the amino acid tryptophan (well known for it's presence in our Thanksgiving turkey). Natural melatonin cycles are related to the ability to get to sleep and stay asleep, but studies have shown melatonin is not necessary for sleep.
Melatonin Supplementation
There are a few common things that melatonin supplementation is used for. It can be used to help cure the symptoms of jet lag. Melatonin can be used to help control anxiety before and after surgery. Sleep problems with children can be decreased with melatonin supplementation. Melatonin has also been used for people with displaced sleep wake disorder (DSWPD). It has also been used successfully to help with issues associated with shift work.
Risks of Melatonin Supplementation
The risks of melatonin supplementation is low. The most common side effects are drowsiness and lower core body temperature. This is usually associated with high amounts of supplement. Extremely large doses may have some effect on your reproductive system.
Reduced melatonin has know currently known effect on your health.
Is Melatonin Right For You?
Due to the low harm in side effects, trying a melatonin supplement may help you get to sleep or establish an improved sleep pattern. The best time to use the supplement is prior to bed time due to the drowsiness side effect and that increased melatonin is associated with sleep.
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