Melatonin is often called the ‘sleep hormone’ because it plays a central role in your body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm.
What Melatonin Does:
The pineal gland in your brain produces melatonin in response to darkness. As evening approaches and light diminishes, melatonin levels rise, making you feel drowsy. Levels peak during the night and drop in the morning when exposed to light, helping you wake up.
Factors That Affect Melatonin:
Blue light from screens, irregular sleep schedules, shift work, and jet lag can disrupt melatonin production. Age also affects melatonin – production decreases as we get older, which is one reason why sleep patterns change with age.
Beyond Sleep:
While primarily known for sleep regulation, melatonin also has antioxidant properties, supports immune function, and may influence reproductive hormones. It works closely with cortisol – when melatonin rises at night, cortisol should naturally decrease.
