Melatonin and its benefits for sleep
melatonin is one of the most relevant hormones that our body secretes every day to regulate and carry out the natural cycle of sleep, rest and regulate circadian rhythms.
Although, if there is no sleep disorder or factor that can reduce its production, its external supplementation could help us improve rest and sleep quality.
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Melatonin is released in the pineal gland. Its production increases when night approaches, reaches its maximum level and this is reflected in that we get sleepy and want to go to sleep.
Depending on the phase of the life cycle in which it is a person, the levels are going to be higher or lower. Children need more hours of sleep because their melatonin levels are higher. Hence the reason why babies sleep so many hours. Also, during rest, is when growth hormone is released. This can be a vitally important factor for those who seek to gain muscle mass.
Over the years, it progressively decreases with age, which means a reduction in sleep time. An average adult sleeps between 5 and 7 hours.
The secretion of this hormone will depend each day on environmental factors, lifestyle, exposure to certain types of light or substances such as guarana or caffeine that We have ingested.
Lack of melatonin or deficiency.
Suffering from sleep problems, And therefore, a melatonin deficiency is increasingly common due to a large number of factors present in our daily lives.
Daytime sleepiness, insomnia, frequent changes in mood, irritability, anxiety, menstrual disturbances, decreased physical and mental performance are just some of the ways in which it can manifest itself.
How to solve this deficit naturally? Factors to take into account.
Natural light: exposure to natural light from the sun’s rays causes the levels of melatonin .
Artificial light: on the contrary, it negatively affects its production. It is all that comes from mobile screens, TV, computers, etc. It is advisable to limit its use to hours close to sleep.
Use of s or stimulant stances: such as guarana or caffeine . They can affect rest. Especially in those sensitive to this type of substance. Caffeine blocks adenosine, the substance that makes us feel tired.
Jet lagg, work shifts, travel: Time changes can naturally alter the secretion of melatonin since our body must adapt to them before.
The tryptophan and the melatonin levels.
THE tryptophan is an essential amino acid, that is, it cannot be produced in our body, which is a precursor of serotonin (5-HT), which in turn, intervenes in the secretion of melatonin in the body.
When tryptophan is depleted, melatonin levels have been shown to drop.
It is directly related to the correct functioning of the brain and our neurons because it acts as a precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood, stress, appetite, growth and rest.
In addition, it also participates in the formation of melatonin . Tryptophan with melatonin is a perfect combination to rest better, by combining the two, the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin produced naturally is stimulated.
When not to take melatonin
Because melatonin can cause some daytime sleepiness up to its complete elimination, it is recommended not to drive or use machinery within five hours of taking the supplement.
Do not use melatonin if you have an autoimmune disease. If in doubt, consult a specialist.
Benefits of melatonin supplementation
- It favors the conciliation of sleep of Natural way.
- Helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving quality and rest.
- Promotes an improvement in the immune system and reduces oxidative stress .
- It is an antioxidant that protects proteins and fats from free radicals.
- Increases the production of growth hormone , which is released in the sleep stage.
- Melatonin can help with anxiety . If your body does not produce enough melatonin, it can make you feel insomniac, restless, and anxious.
- Promotes better quality of sleep, helps regulate circadian rhythms, and lessen negative feelings that cause anxiety.
- Helps fight insomnia, anxiety and depression, since they are usually disorders related to sleep and its lack.
What is melatonin used for?
Melatonin can be used to treat delayed sleep phase and circadian rhythm sleep disorders in the blind and provide some relief from insomnia. Treat melatonin like you would any sleeping pill and use it under the supervision of your doctor.
Is it safe to take melatonin?
Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. Unlike many sleep medications, with melatonin you are unlikely to become dependent, have a decreased response after repeated use (habituation), or experience a hangover effect. The most common side effects of melatonin include: Headache.
Is it okay to take melatonin every night?
It is safe to take melatonin supplements every night, but only for the short term. Melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle. It is synthesized mainly by the pineal gland located in the brain. Melatonin is released in response to darkness and is suppressed by light.
What are the negative effects of melatonin?
Melatonin has been used safely for up to 2 years in some people. However, it can cause some side effects including headache, short-term feelings of depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach cramps, and irritability.
Does melatonin cause weight gain?
The results of many experimental studies and clinical trials suggest that in the case of obesity, the circadian and seasonal rhythm of melatonin secretion is altered. Lower levels of melatonin secretion in the fall-winter period can increase appetite and lead to weight gain.