Melatonin: The Sleep Hormone and Its Secrets

The “sleep hormone” can act like a dose of sunset, tricking your body into feeling like it’s time for sleep.

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, has captured the attention of scientists, doctors, and people in search of restful sleep and optimal health. In this article, we will explore melatonin in depth, from its function in the body to its practical applications and necessary precautions.

The Sleep-Wake Cycle and Melatonin

One of melatonin's most prominent roles is its involvement in the sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Melatonin production is intricately tied to light and darkness. When darkness falls, the pineal gland begins to secrete melatonin, signaling the body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. As dawn breaks and light increases, melatonin production decreases, leaving the body in a state of alert.

Defining Melatonin

From a biological perspective, melatonin is a hormone that, in humans, is produced in the pineal gland. It is closely linked to the daily biological rhythm, also known as the Circadian Cycle*. This hormone is also nicknamed "the hormone of darkness" or "sleep hormone".

As we age, our body goes through a series of organic changes that, in one way or another, are inevitable. Melatonin influences the sleep cycle, immune defenses and the aging process.

The Circadian Cycle is regulated by melatonin, and determines when the body should be awake and when it should be asleep. Sometimes, this cycle can become unbalanced, especially in people who spend many hours in front of bright screens. In these situations, the body does not receive the signal that the light is decreasing, leading to less melatonin production and difficulty entering sleep preparation mode.

Melatonin levels vary depending on the lighting throughout the day. In other words, its production is inhibited when it is light and stimulated when it is dark, peaking in the middle of the night. It then gradually declines until we wake up.

Melatonin acts in the sleep-wake cycle, notifying the body about patterns of light and darkness. When night falls, melatonin is synthesized, signaling the body to prepare for rest and sleep.

From the age of 30, the concentration of melatonin in the human body begins to decrease, which may be related to psychological effects such as insomnia. In fact, it is believed that many cases of insomnia are linked to low levels of this hormone.

How does melatonin work?

During the day, the brain's bean-sized pineal gland lies dormant. A few hours before our natural sleep time, when it begins to get dark and the light entering our retina fades, the gland lights up to flood the brain with melatonin.

“Melatonin is sometimes called the ‘hormone of darkness’ or the ‘vampire hormone,’” because it kicks in at night, says Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of Why We Sleep. When melatonin levels rise, levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop. Breathing slows. Soon, eyelids begin to droop.

But rather than a light switch, melatonin acts like a dimmer switch, turning off daytime functions and turning on nighttime ones. So taking a melatonin supplement like Ganbatte Recharge is like taking a dose of sunset, tricking your body into feeling like it's nighttime. It doesn't put you to sleep, but rather it communicates to your body that it's time to sleep.

Benefits of Melatonin

Improving Sleep Quality

The most well-known benefit of melatonin is its ability to improve sleep quality. Those who have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may find melatonin to be an effective ally. Melatonin supplements have proven particularly helpful for those dealing with jet lag due to international travel or for those with jobs that require irregular sleep schedules.

Antioxidant and Cellular Protection

In addition to its role in sleep, melatonin also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to aging and various chronic diseases. Melatonin has demonstrated its ability to protect cells from oxidative damage, making it a potent defender of cellular wellness.

Immune System Support

Recent research suggests that melatonin may have a positive impact on the immune system. This hormone can influence the activity of certain immune cells and the production of cytokines, molecules responsible for communication between cells in the immune system. This suggests that melatonin may play a role in strengthening the immune response, especially during times of stress or illness.Many people often struggle to fall asleep, and this difficulty can arise for a variety of reasons. If you have found yourself in this situation, you have probably received recommendations or considered the option of using melatonin, due to its recognized benefits in improving sleep and combating insomnia.

Ultimately, melatonin is a multifaceted hormone with a range of benefits that go beyond sleep regulation. Its role in cellular protection, immune system support, and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm make it a valuable tool for health and wellness. As with any supplement, informed knowledge is the key to making the most of the benefits melatonin has to offer. If you are interested in learning more about sleep hygiene and our Ganbatte Recharge supplement with melatonin, visit our website.

Written by Ana Saiz

Co-founder of Ganbatte Superfoods