Melatonin

The neurohormone melatonin is also known as Sandman Hormone because it is responsible for controlling the Day-night rhythm in humans and vertebrates. It is produced in the brain in the pineal gland (glandula pinealis) from the tissue hormone serotonin. Light inhibits the production of melatonin in the body, while it is stimulated in the dark. Shift workers who have to sleep during the day therefore often have problems falling asleep and staying asleep, as do people with jet lag or sleepers in environments where so-called light smog plays a role. Anyone who looks at the illuminated display of a computer screen, tablet or smartphone for a long time immediately before going to sleep also risks sleep disorders and daytime sleepiness.

In addition to its function as a day-night rhythm regulator, melatonin also ensures that growth hormones can be released during the deep sleep phase. In addition, these hormones act as antioxidants, preventing stress caused by certain metabolic processes. In this way, melatonin plays a role in a strong immune system. Melatonin is also involved in the release of sex hormones, has a blood pressure-lowering effect and has an influence on the hippocampus in the brain, the region that plays a central role in human memory performance, among other things.

The concentration of melatonin in the body changes with the time of day. A typical daily value is less than 10 picograms per milliliter of blood. This corresponds to one billionth of a milligram per milliliter. At night, however, values ​​of up to 100 pg/ml are normal for young, healthy people. As we get older, the body secretes less melatonin. In younger people, the body's own amount of melatonin increases twelvefold during the night, but in older people it only increases threefold. However, medications such as ibuprofen, cortisone derivatives or beta-blockers can also inhibit nighttime melatonin production. A (too) low melatonin level is also promoted by: tobacco, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, persistent stress and intensive exercise in the evening. Melatonin production is also disrupted in people who go to bed at very different times. Those who go to bed at 11 p.m. on Mondays and 2 a.m. on Tuesdays will not achieve the same quality of sleep as those who go to bed regularly.

A melatonin level that is too low can result in the following symptoms: difficulty falling asleep and waking up early. In the long term, the resulting reduced sleep quality can lead to problems concentrating, memory loss, mood swings and an increased susceptibility to illness.

A melatonin level that is too high also results in sleep disorders. Typical symptoms include problems getting up and a feeling of tiredness and lack of motivation that persists throughout the day. Causes of an increased melatonin level include long periods of darkness in winter, liver dysfunction, taking tryptophan and some antidepressants, and taking high doses of vitamin B3 or vitamin B6. In any case, if you are persistently tired, it is advisable to have your melatonin level checked by a doctor in order to start the right treatment.

The messenger substance melatonin is also known as Sandman fabric It is responsible for controlling the Day-night rhythm in humans and vertebrates. It is produced in the pineal gland from the tissue hormone serotonin. Light inhibits its production, while darkness stimulates it.

As we get older, our bodies secrete less melatonin. Studies have shown that the amount of melatonin produced by younger people increases twelvefold during the night, while it only increases threefold in older people.

In addition to its function as a day-night rhythm regulator, which also ensures that growth hormones are released during the deep sleep phase, melatonin has other beneficial properties. The substance acts as an antioxidant and thus prevents stress caused by certain metabolic processes. Melatonin therefore plays a role in a strong immune system.

Melatonin is popular as a dietary supplement because of its sleep-promoting and antioxidant effects. mild, well-tolerated sleeping pill It increases the quality of sleep so that you do not wake up exhausted in the morning.

Melatonin regulates the Day-night rhythm in our body. In this way, the messenger substance, which is mainly produced in the diencephalon, ensures that we fall asleep quickly, sleep through the night and wake up refreshed. In the dark, more melatonin is released. Light, on the other hand, inhibits the production of the "sleep substance". Irregular sleeping times, light pollution, shift work, jet lag and illness disrupt or reduce the production of melatonin. This disrupts our sleep rhythm and we complain of sleep disorders.

If you have trouble falling asleep, you should take melatonin in the form of capsules or tablets shortly before going to bed. The recommended dose for jet lag or trouble falling asleep is 0.5 to 1 mg. According to one study, 3 mg of orally administered unretarded melatonin leads to a serum level of 2400 pg/ml. However, the bioavailability of oral intake is subject to great fluctuations. For example, one study found an average absorption of 33 percent of the active ingredient, while another study found an average bioavailability of 15 percent. In any case, the melatonin level rises quickly after intake and reaches its dose-dependent maximum after just 60 minutes. After about 4 hours, an increased serum concentration is no longer detectable.

The product Melatonin from Medicom contains 1 mg of melatonin. As a mild, well-tolerated sleep aid, melatonin from Medicom improves the quality of sleep so that you don't wake up exhausted in the morning. However, you should be careful not to exceed the maximum dose. Too much melatonin can have just as bad an effect on sleep as too little. As a dietary supplement, melatonin is popular as a means of combating oxidative stress in addition to its sleep-promoting effect.