Melatonin

Melatonin is a vital hormone, the presence of which could promote several functions and the lack of it could lead to various disorders.

Melatonin promotes sleep: Poor sleep is a common condition, but its consequences could be pretty serious. A survey claims nearly 70 million people complain of poor sleep; there might be millions more who are yet to realize what they are going through. There is help available in the form of a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is the hormone that informs the body to relax and wind down because it’s time to sleep.

The sleep hormone works by influencing the circadian rhythm – the body’s internal clock. Melatonin also regulates hormone levels, blood pressure, and body temperature. It decreases the level of dopamine in the eyes. In addition, it slows down the impulse signaling through neurons by binding itself to receptors in the brain.

Melatonin combats stress and depression: Taking melatonin supplements can alleviate stress because stress seems to have an effect on melatonin levels in the body. A good reason people who are stressed suffer from insomnia and poor sleep at night is that stress reverses the melatonin cycle. If you’re stressed, the melatonin level decreases at night and increases during the day. This is due to the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Taking the melatonin supplement can calm the mind and body, alleviates stress and anxiety, induces sleep at night, and reduces restlessness, drowsiness, and fatigue during the day.

Melatonin prevents neurodegeneration: Studies show that melatonin could be useful in treating mild cognitive impairment. Melatonin provides this benefit by acting as a potent neuroprotectant. The hormone influences the neurotransmitters, especially dopamine, that are associated with movement and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s.

In addition, the hormone neutralizes the free radicals of nitrogen and oxygen, removes toxins, and protects the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Melatonin also safeguards the brain from the neurotoxic effect of aluminum. The hormone protects the brain from damages caused by tau and amyloid proteins. Melatonin also protects the brain by activating other oxidants.

Other Health Benefits of Melatonin: Beyond sleep, stress relief, and neuroprotection, the hormone melatonin provides other benefits including pain relief, reduce symptoms of menopause, fight cancer, improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity, and help with jet lag.

Dosage: Melatonin supplements are available in various forms: topical cream, lozenge, liquid, tablet, and capsule. People with sensitive stomach could begin with a low dosage of 0.50mg. To promote sleep, experts recommend a daily dosage of about 3-5mg.

Side Effects: Taking the recommended dosage reduces the chances of side effects. Those who are sensitive to the supplement might experience vivid dreams or nightmares. Using a higher dose or consuming the supplement during the day could cause daytime drowsiness. Other common side effects include irritability, headache, dizziness, and stomach pain.