Sleep deprivation is one of the most common problems caused by the stressful and hectic lifestyle in modern Western society. It has been found that nearly 40 percent of people sleep less than seven hours a night, and over a third of working people do not manage to close their eyes for more than six hours during the dark part of the day. There are many means to support night rest, among which melatonin stands out thanks to its natural origin and the absence of side effects.
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that is present in all living things, with its levels changing cyclically throughout the day. In humans, it is produced in the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan and performs a number of functions in the body, the most famous of which is related to the regulation of circadian rhythms, or simply put, telling the body when to fall asleep and when to wake up.
At dusk, the retina signals a decrease in light, which causes melatonin levels to rise. The hormone's concentration increases until midnight, then progressively decreases as sunrise approaches. Melatonin naturally blocks brain signals that keep a person awake, making it easier to fall asleep.
It has been found that strong artificial light in the evening, when it is already dark outside, suppresses melatonin production, which leads to a reduced desire for sleep, and according to some new research - to a number of other, more serious health problems.
In addition to improving sleep, melatonin is involved in regulating immune function, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. The hormone also has pronounced antioxidant properties, which limit the damage caused to cells by reactive oxygen species.
What are the health effects of melatonin?
→ Contributes to improving sleep – Melatonin is often called the sleep hormone, and for good reason. It is among the most popular natural remedies for a more restful and longer sleep. Scientific studies show that taking it about two hours before bedtime accelerates falling asleep and improves the quality of sleep in general. Its advantage over other sleeping pills is the absence of side effects.
→ Relieves symptoms of seasonal depression – Seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression, is a common condition that affects about 10% of the population worldwide. It is associated with the change of seasons and occurs at the same time each year, usually in late fall and early winter. The likely cause of this condition is disruption of circadian rhythms as a result of changes in daylight. With its role in regulating the biological clock, melatonin helps relieve symptoms of seasonal depression such as drowsiness, lack of energy, nervousness, and others.
→ Helps improve eye health – Melatonin’s strong antioxidant properties help prevent cellular damage and may aid in the treatment of various eye diseases such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. In a clinical study, it was found that taking the hormone limited the severity and extent of retinopathy – an eye condition that damages the retina and can lead to vision loss.
There is scientific evidence that melatonin can help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, help increase levels of human growth hormone, and aid in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and certain types of cancer.
Method of administration:
For adults over 18 years: Take 1 tablet at night before bed. Sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue until completely dissolved.
