Should you take melatonin supplements? Many people lack knowledge about this diet supplement. Melatonin is a hormone made in the pineal gland, located in the brain. It helps balance and regulate other body hormones and keeps the body's circadian rhythm working properly. The circadian rhythm is also known as your body clock which plays a vital role in telling us when to fall asleep and when to wake up.
When it is dark outside, the body produces more melatonin. Conversely, when it is light outside, melatonin production drops. Exposure to bright lights at night insufficient light during the day can throw out of balance the body's normal melatonin production cycles. Things like jet lag and working a variety of changing work shifts can disrupt a person's melatonin cycles.
Melatonin also helps to manage the release of a woman's reproductive hormones. It helps to determine when a woman's menstruation is to begin. Melatonin is also involved with the duration and frequency of menstrual cycles, as well as when menopause begins.
Melatonin levels in the body may in some way be related to aging. It is believed that lower levels of melatonin may be a reason why certain older adults have sleep problems and wake up earlier than when they were in their youth. Melatonin contains certain strong antioxidant effects. There is evidence to suggest that it may help boost the immune system.
When taking melatonin supplements, talk to a physician to make sure you understand melatonin side effects and other pros and cons of taking melatonin supplements. Melatonin can be good for your health if you know how to use it properly and safely.
