Our body produces many hormones, with various functions, but what is melatonin for? Find out its effects and benefits for our body.
Our hormones are mostly produced by glands spread throughout the human body. Melatonin is one of these hormones, whose origin is a small gland located in the brain, called the pineal gland.
In other words, its function (what melatonin is for) is to regulate the sleep process in humans, being responsible for inducing us to sleep when there is a lack of light and to wake up when it appears.
This cycle is something biological, however, it is what the entire production of this hormone is based on. Let’s better understand what melatonin is for!
It is also responsible for controlling metabolism during the day, which involves everything from temperature to hormonal release. This process is called circadian rhythm. It, in turn, determines the doses of hormone that are released during the hours of the day and prepares us to fall asleep.
What is melatonin for in our body?
As previously stated, this hormone is responsible for regulating sleep, but also other metabolisms (this is also part of the answer to the question, what is melatonin for). Therefore, most human organs have receptors for it. It also acts as a kind of antioxidant, ensuring the proper functioning of cells and systems. Throughout the day, doses of melatonin are released, increasing the amount depending on the evening.
The peak of this hormone in the body occurs around 11 pm to 3 am. It is due to this high rate that we are able to enter a state called deep sleep. After this period, our body quickly reduces the levels of this hormone, preparing us to begin waking up. Throughout the day, melatonin levels are minimal, until the afternoon, when the cycle restarts.
As we age, however, there is a significant decrease in the amount of melatonin produced by the pineal gland. And this is exactly why most problems involving sleep dysregulation or insomnia are more noticeable in adults and the elderly. However, it is worth highlighting that not all insomnia problems, in fact, refer to a low production of melatonin, after all, there are other occurrences that can lead to this problem.
Well, now that we understand what melatonin is for, how about finding out about its benefits?
The benefits of melatonin
Firstly, the biggest benefit is being able to sleep and rest your body correctly. However, this hormone produced by the pineal gland can help reduce migraines, prevent cancer, alleviate childhood colic and treat polycystic ovaries. These are possibilities when supplementing melatonin synthetically, in Brazil, its sale is currently not authorized. Simply due to the fact that no company in the country requested the enhancement of the medication.
Regarding the natural benefits of melatonin production in the body, we can highlight some. How: reduces stress, reduces stomach acidity, reduces dark circles, hair loss and other diseases. Finally, it is essential for the vitality of the human body to maintain a regular sleep routine, therefore, before going to sleep, avoid external stimuli, whether visual, sound or olfactory.
Synthetic melatonin, what is it for?
The first question you might want to know is “What is synthetic melatonin for?” Well, just like the natural one, the search for this medicine is mostly to regulate sleep. Especially for adults, as previously mentioned, melatonin can come in various dosages in tablet form, however, to find out which one is best suited for you, if necessary, you need to consult a doctor.
The most common treatment is by taking a pill at least two hours before bed. There are other medications analogous to melatonin, they are: Ramelteon, Melatonin and Tasemelteon. These alternatives are only prescribed by specialist doctors, due to their great ability to alter not only the circadian rhythm, but also other body functions.
Trivialization and self-medication can have serious consequences for the body in the case of this hormone. Reports of cases of overdose range from headache episodes to changes in the levels of other hormones. The incidence of dizziness, nausea and hypersomnolence were also recorded. Therefore, a visit and recommendation from a doctor is essential to start a treatment like this.
How to increase melatonin levels naturally
Now that you know what melatonin is for and all its benefits, it is very likely that you want to be aware of this hormone. If this is your desire, there are some tips to achieve this, such as: the consumption of some foods and ambience. In the case of food, the consumption of bananas, nuts, brown rice, cherries and onions.
Finally, the ambiance aspect means falling asleep in an environment with little light and no noise, preferably. As in other cases, physical activity also helps with hormone production. But this, in turn, must be carried out at least 4 hours before bed, as the adrenaline released in practice can harm the release of melatonin.
Do you want to know more about the human body and other curiosities? Also read, how to sleep well and what is estrogen?
Sources: MD Saúde, Minha Vida e Tua Saúde.
Imagens: Reference, Vam-po, Science SBC e Consumer Lab.
