Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. The pineal gland is located just above your mid brain and is the size of a pea. Melatonin is released when your eyes see darkness, and is supressed when light enters your eyes.
Melatonin is responsible for maintaining your body’s circadian rhythm, otherwise known as your body’s own internal clock.
Before the invention of electricity, when the sun set melatonin levels naturally increased in the body. When the sun rose, melatonin levels decreased in the body. However, with the invention of electricity, using bright lights at night or even worse, electronics close to bedtime, melatonin can be supressed in the body and therefore disrupt your internal clock. Blue light emitted by screens (TV, computer, phone, etc.) can significantly suppresses melatonin levels, making it more difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, not being exposed to enough sunlight in the day can also disrupt this natural cycle. Overtime, this can lead to sleep issues and other health problems (lower levels of melatonin have been associated with higher risk of breast cancer).
Research has demonstrated that blind people or shift workers are at greater risk for low melatonin levels. But for everyone, a lack of exposure to light during the day or exposure to bright lights in the evening can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles.
Melatonin is also vital to female reproductive health as it plays a role in controlling the timing and release of female reproductive hormones.
Young children have the highest levels of nighttime melatonin. Research has shown that melatonin decreases as we age. Additionally, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol can also lower levels of melatonin in the body.
Melatonin may assist in preventing diabetic complications, and improving treatment outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Melatonin is available to take in supplement form. The most common form is sublingual (under the tongue) but it is also available as a topical cream.
5 Melatonin Benefits
- Natural Sleep Aid
- Decreases Menopause Symptoms
- Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Relief
- Immune System Booster
- Eases Jet Lag
Some people experience vivid dreams or nightmares when taking melatonin, and taking too much melatonin can disrupt circadian rhythms. Other possible side effects of melatonin include headache, dizziness, daytime sleepiness, short-term feelings of low mood, stomach cramps, and irritability. Pregnant or nursing women should not take melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone so if you have a history of hormonal-related health issues then you should only use melatonin under the advice of a health care professional.
Dr. Emily Lipinski, ND
Speak with your Naturopathic or Medical doctor first before taking melatonin.