Melatonin is a hormone that your brain produces in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of your circadian rhythms (24-hour internal clock) and with sleep. It is considered to be the biological clock that is needed by all animals to maintain their biological rhythm. Melatonin, is a naturally occurring hormone that is synthesized in the pineal gland, a small pea-sized structure located in the middle of the brain, in most mammals. It is an essential regulator of circadian rhythm, which is the internal circadian rhythm of the human body. Its secretion varies in relation to time of day and season. In humans, melatonin has been widely used in treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia and jet lag. Studies have also shown that melatonin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, cancer-fighting and mood-boosting.
Melatonin also plays other important roles in the body beyond sleep, such as:
💤 A really strong antioxidant, and has the ability to increase other antioxidants
💤 Helps your body regenerate healthy cells
💤 Helps with memory and preventing dementia and Alzheimers
💤 Helps to increase and maintain bone density
💤 Works as a powerful anti-inflammatory
💤 Has the ability to assist in turning fat into energy rather than storing it
💤 Increases the secretion of growth hormones
💤 Improves the resistance of your immune system
💤 Can help reduce headaches
It influences the sleep-wake cycle and the sleep pattern. In humans, melatonin is produced mainly in the pineals of night. The production of melatonin increases during the dark hours of the night and decreases during the day. The level of melatonine in the blood is low during the daytime and increases during darkness. The melatonin level in the body is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus.
I am no sleep expert and getting my 7 hours of sleep every night can often be a struggle for me, so I have done my fair share of research on the topic!
I have found that a great way to help your body improve its own natural melatonin production, is to get at least 15 minutes of sun exposure during the day, as it helps to “charge” your cells. Then when you go to bed make sure your room is in complete darkness which stimulates melatonin production in your body.
Let me know any tips you have to get a better night’s sleep! 😊
