How Melatonin Affects Your Sleep Cycle
Melatonin Transcription: Melatonin controls the circadian rhythm as well as the deep stages of sleep. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and declines significantly when a person reaches age 40. Melatonin levels peak at night and decrease throughout the day with the help of natural sunlight. The essential amino acid (tryptophan) from which melatonin is derived helps to regulate your circadian sleep rhythm. Melatonin is considered a super antioxidant due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Melatonin also works with cholecystokinin in the digestive tract to decrease the likelihood and severity of many symptoms associated with gastric ulcers and colitis. Your melatonin levels will naturally decrease with age. This is why some older people will sleep less even though they still need the same amount of sleep. Cortisol (the stress hormone) is partially regulated by melatonin. Culprits of Low Melatonin Levels: Alcohol Vitamin B12 Caffeine NSAID anti-inflammatory medication Beta-blocker medication Glucocorticoid medication Cigarettes Antidepressants Frequent stress Melatonin is a natural substance that should be taken at night. It is not addictive or habit forming. Sleep Facts: New parents lose 400-750 hours of sleep during their newborn’s first year. The number of car accidents decreases in Canada during daylight savings. Constant access to the internet is one of the biggest contributors to lack of sleep. Ducks are able to keep one half of their brain awake, while the other half is asleep, in order to survive predator attacks. http://vitalitmed.com/hormones/melatonin/
