Melatonin is a chemical hiding in our brain, that helps us go to sleep. It comes from the pineal gland in the brain and controls many hormones our the body.
Melatonin does some very important things for us. One thing, and maybe the most important, is that melatonin controls the body’s circadian rhythm, which is like a 24 hour clock inside of us. This 24 hour inside clock does an important job deciding when we fall asleep and when we wake up.
Too Much Light?
Darkness stimulates the release of melatonin and light suppresses its activity. Normal melatonin cycles are disrupted when we are exposed to excessive light in the evening or too little light during the daytime.
For example, jet lag, shift work, and poor vision can disrupt melatonin cycles. In addition, some experts claim that exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (as is common in household appliances) may disrupt normal cycles and production of melatonin.
Controls Timing Of Reproductive Hormones
Melatonin is also one of the hormones that controls the timing and release of female reproductive hormones. As a result, melatonin helps determine when menstruation begins, the frequency and duration of menstrual cycles, and when menstruation ends (menopause).
As We Grow Older
Many researchers also believe that levels of melatonin in the body are related to the aging process. For example, young children have the highest levels of nighttime melatonin and these levels are thought to diminish progressively with age.
This decline likely contributes to why many older adults suffer from disrupted sleep patterns and tend to go to bed earlier and wake up earlier in the morning than when they were younger.
However, emerging research is bringing the idea of diminished melatonin levels in the elderly into some question. Therefore, those considering use of this supplement should first talk to their healthcare provider about having blood levels of melatonin checked.
Strong Immune System With Antioxidants
In addition to its hormone actions, melatonin also has strong antioxidant properties and preliminary evidence suggests that it may help strengthen the immune system. Because melatonin is a potent hormone, it’s advisable to check with a healthcare provider before using it as an antioxidant supplement.
Save Big On Sleeping Aids
A popular and usually much less expensive sleeping aid is lavender aromatherapy. The lavender herb can be found in convenient essential oils that allow you to use it in concentrated amounts for a stronger affect using a only a few drops. Lavender has been used for thousands of years to disinfect, sedate the mind and reduce stress. Get some today to sleep better tonight!
Joanne
Source: Info on Melatonin, University of Maryland Medical Center
