You know what it's like to feel exhausted and stressed. You've probably tried everything to get a good night's sleep, but nothing seems to work.
Your energy levels are low, your blood pressure is high, your skin is breaking out, and you're noticing more wrinkles than ever. You might not be able to put your finger on the exact problem, but you know something isn't quite right. This could indicate that your melatonin hormone is disrupted and low.
The Power of Melatonin
You may have heard of melatonin before, but did you know that this hormone can actually have a powerful impact on your health? Here's what you need to know about the role of melatonin in your body.
Melatonin and sleep routine
Low levels of melatonin can have a significant impact on a sleep routine.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. When melatonin levels are low, it can be difficult to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, low melatonin levels can lead to fatigue and daytime sleepiness.
Melatonin and heart health
While melatonin is mostly known for its effects on sleep, studies are increasingly linking low levels of the hormone to health problems such as heart disease. In fact, some experts believe that low melatonin may be a key factor in the development of heart disease.
There are several potential reasons why low melatonin may lead to heart problems. New research is showing that Melatonin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to reduce plaque formation in the arteries. Thus, consistently low melatonin levels increase inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Melatonin and skin health
Studies have shown that when melatonin levels are low, there is an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin. This can lead to a variety of skin problems, including acne, rosacea, and premature aging.
Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that scavenges harmful free radicals, one of the factors that contribute to skin aging. Studies have shown that melatonin can improve skin health by reducing inflammation, neutralising free radicals and stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes.
Melatonin and mental health
There is growing evidence that melatonin may play a role in mental health. According to studies, a balance of melatonin and serotonin levels is required to manage depression and anxiety.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and emotions and is the precursor to melatonin.
Melatonin and immune health
It has also been shown to play a beneficial role in the immune system. One way melatonin exerts its effects on immunity is by enhancing the function of natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are important in defending against infections and tumours.
Additionally, melatonin helps to regulate inflammation, which is involved in many immune responses. This means that it could be a valuable tool for treating conditions like autoimmune diseases, where inflammation plays a key role.
Why do some people have low melatonin levels?
There are many reasons why people have low melatonin levels.
Aging. As people age, their bodies produce less melatonin. As a result, it is common for the elderly to experience issues such as difficulty sleeping or waking up in the middle of the night.
Exposure to light at night. The commercialization of digital gadgets has increased the duration of nighttime exposure to digital light. This can disrupt the body's natural production of melatonin, resulting in issues like difficulty sleeping and poor concentration the next morning.
Shift work. Shift work can lead to lower melatonin levels because it disrupts the body's circadian rhythm. When the body's natural rhythm is thrown off balance, it can have a negative impact on many different aspects of health, including melatonin production.
Certain medical conditions. Melatonin levels are lower in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and obesity. Certain medications are also known to lower melatonin hormone production as well.
Is melatonin safe to take?
Melatonin can be purchased in health food stores or online in some countries. It is marketed as a complementary medicine and is available in the form of "immediate-release" capsules, tablets, or a liquid that you drink.
However, these supplements are not permitted to be sold in the United Kingdom, European Union, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and most recently Canada. These countries only allow them as prescription medications. [Find out why here]
A natural alternative to Melatonin!
Some research shows that corn leaf extract may be the natural alternative to melatonin supplements. They discovered that the extract stimulates the body's own melatonin production, which improves deep sleep duration while also lowering stress levels.
Conclusion
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that aids in the regulation of sleep and other health systems. It is critical in many ways for the body to function properly and involves many organs.
Despite the fact that it is available as a supplement. Because of its "hormone" nature, it is not widely available in some countries.
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