Melatonin for Sleep

Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle and is produced naturally in the pineal gland at the center of the brain. Melatonin is critical for the regulation of a healthy sleep–wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. It has been documented that melatonin production diminishes as a person ages. Melatonin production in the brain is triggered by the daily cycle of light and dark and melatonin in the body increases with darkness and diminishes with light. Melatonin production in the brain is upset by extended time in artificial light at night, an interuption of the sleep cycle by moving time zones and other contributing factors, such as consuming excess alcohol. While melatonin isn’t essential for sleeping, you sleep better when your body has the highest levels of melatonin it is meant to have in dark hours and this maintains a regular sleep pattern attuned to light and dark hours. Studies have also revealed that melatonin is key in mantaining a healthy menstral cycle in women and protects against neurodegeneration which is the progressive loss of neurons in the brain that can lead to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, a shift in the timing of melatonin secretion is observed during adolescence, resulting in delayed sleep and wake times that teenagers typically have, which also increases their risk for delayed sleep phase disorder during this period of life which can then become increasingly worse in adulthood. This can then be reinforced by bad habits that lead to habitual  sleep problems and medical sleep conditions such as insomnia. Taking a melatonin supplement in a low dosage at the right time before sleeping, is a safe and effective way to support sleep quality and health, especially when paired with other natural supplements that help relaxation and sleep, such as CBD or CBN.  If in doubt, consult your doctor or a specialist in sleeping disorders.