What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is best known for being the hormone that helps regulate sleep. Did you know it is produced by the pineal gland found in the brain? The natural production of melatonin starts after nightfall.
What are the effects of melatonin in the body?
Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells of your body from oxidation. It is different than other antioxidants because it permeates the cells anywhere in the body. And it also protects the structure that enables a damaged cell to repair itself. Melatonin may help prevent memory loss, arteriosclerosis, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and stimulate the immune system.
How to maintain your Melatonin level production.
As you now know your melatonin production starts after nightfall. You can naturally maintain your melatonin levels by doing the following. Avoid exercising late at night because this can delay melatonin production. In the evening eat light meals. I know it’s tempting since you’re hungry, but your digestive system slows down at night. And eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime may lead to digestive problems. Which will make it difficult to sleep. I know this happens to many of us myself included.
Melatonin Supplements and Best time to take them.
The best time for you to take melatonin supplements is two hours or less before bedtime. There are several supplements forms available in your local grocery or health store. A sustained release form works best for anyone that wakes up frequently after several hours of sleep. And a sublingual form may work best for you if you are very sick or have malabsorption. Melatonin supplements are a side-effect-free sleep aid for adults with insomnia. If you are pregnant or are a nursing mother, it is best to avoid melatonin supplements. And if you have severe allergies or autoimmune disease also avoid them. As always check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
