Verywell / Nez Riaz
Melatonin is commonly referred to as the sleep hormone.
Melatonin is secreted at night, during which time it helps you fall asleep.
How Melatonin Is Produced in the Body
The production of melatonin is influenced by light.
Verywell / Nez Riaz
The pineal gland then secretes melatonin into the bloodstream.
Melatonin is carried from the brain to the rest of the body via circulating blood.
Think of melatonin as turning on your body’s “night mode.”
When cells in the body aren’t exposed to melatonin, they’re in “day mode.”
Melatonin is responsible for making us tired at night and less tired during the day.
But melatonin may play multiple roles in humans, many of which are not fully understood.
Research supports that melatonin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant (clot-preventing) properties.
How Melatonin Affects Health
Melatonin actually has quite a significant link with mental health.
Since melatonin regulates your circadian rhythm and sleep, melatonin deficiency can cause sleep problems such asinsomnia.
Such conditions includemajor depressive disorder(MDD),bipolar disorder,anxiety, andschizophrenia.
Resynchronizing circadian rhythms in people with mood disorders can help improve symptoms.
Melatonin Deficiency
The body is expected to produce sufficient amounts of melatonin for sleep.
Unfortunately, modern lifestyle factors can contribute to insufficient melatonin production.
Listed below are major factors that play a role in melatonin deficiency.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol before bedcan cause difficulties with falling asleep and staying asleep.
Chronic alcohol consumption actually decreases melatonin production.
But limiting your exposure to blue light is important, too.
A good rule of thumb is to turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed.
However, your environment influences your circadian rhythm as well.
Say you travel to a country that is five hours ahead of your home time zone.
But you will likely struggle to fall asleep.
This is what causesjet lag.
Side effects of melatonin use include headaches, nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, and nightmares.
Additionally, it’s best to consult with a doctor before giving children melatonin.
It’s also advised that elderly people are cautious when taking melatonin because they may experience longer-lasting effects.
This is another reason it’s best to talk to a doctor prior to taking any supplements.
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