Melatonin regulates sleep patterns and metabolism rates. Supplements can help with jet lag, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and insomnia. Melatonin also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce the risk of cancer and neurological conditions.
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the body to regulate sleep habits. The amount of melatonin depends on the person’s environment at sleep time. Melatonin benefits include determining metabolism rates and regulating circadian rhythm and sleep patterns so that the body receives adequate rest. Melatonin supplements may help with jet lag, late sleep phase syndrome, and insomnia.
The theory that melatonin levels decline with age was used to explain the sleep difficulties experienced by many older people. This theory has led to the popularity of melatonin supplements for use as a sleep aid. Some people also experience a number of sleep disorders, including jet lag, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and insomnia.
The suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN, is a group of nerves in the brain that sets the circadian rhythm in the human body. The circadian rhythm regulates various bodily functions, including sleep. A disruption to the circadian rhythm, causing jet lag, occurs when a person travels across time zones. Melatonin supplements help increase alertness during the day and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. The benefits of melatonin for jet lag symptoms are most noticeable when supplements are taken on the first day of travel at bedtime.
Another circadian rhythm disorder is late sleep phase syndrome. This occurs in people who cannot fall asleep until late at night. These people also find it difficult to wake up naturally in the morning. Melatonin benefits for this syndrome can establish a regular sleep-wake cycle.
Older adults are thought to experience insomnia more often, although this sleep disorder can also occur in younger people. The time it takes to fall asleep can be decreased by taking melatonin 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime. The time to fall asleep is decreased, but the evidence does not prove that melatonin can help you stay asleep.
Melatonin is not limited to regulating sleep habits. Melatonin health benefits can boost the immune system as an antioxidant against free radicals. The powerful antioxidant qualities of melatonin supplements can work just as well as vitamin E or beta-carotene. Studies also indicate that melatonin may help reduce the risk of stroke or cancer. Low melatonin levels have been linked to prostate, breast, and liver cancer.
The anti-inflammatory effect of melatonin supplements can also treat migraine headaches. Melatonin benefits can also help with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Research has shown that some Alzheimer’s patients who take melatonin supplements experience less agitation and confusion during nighttime hours.
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