Melatonin is a hormone produced in the body. Its primary job is to regulate night and day cycles. Darkness stimulates higher production of melatonin which then, in turn, signals the body to go to sleep. Daylight signals the body to produce less melatonin, which signals the body to stay awake. These processes make up a part of what is called "The Circadian Rhythm"
Other roles of melatonin are known to be:- Orchestrate the complex interactions between mind and body
- Influence hormones and behavioral functions
- Regulate body temperature
- Regulate cardiovascular function
- Act as an antioxidant (an antioxidant helps to protect the cells from damage)
Could reduce symptoms of seasonal depression.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called seasonal depression, is a common condition that is estimated to affect up to 10% of the population worldwide. Research indicates that it could be linked to changes in your circadian rhythm caused by seasonal light changes.
Melatonin plays a role in regulating circadian rhythm, low doses are often used to decrease symptoms of seasonal depression.
Can promote eye health.
Melatonin is high in antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage and keep your eyes healthy.
Research suggests that melatonin could be beneficial in treating conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
May help treat GERD.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition caused by the backflow of stomach acid in the esophagus, resulting in symptoms like heartburn, nausea, and belching.
Melatonin has been shown the block the secretion of stomach acids. It also decreases the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter your esophagus.
About the testing:
When your hair sample is analyzed, our cellular biotechnology measures melatonin levels in your body and identifies whether these levels fall within the normal range when compared to our database of thousands of patients.
Low melatonin levels can stem from various factors. By understanding your current levels, you can explore targeted treatments and strategies to improve your sleep quality.
- If you wake up feeling anxious or uneasy, it may indicate insufficient REM sleep. Using a sleep app or device can help you monitor your REM sleep patterns.
- If you struggle to fall asleep or stay awake at night, an imbalance in your melatonin levels might be the cause. Regular melatonin testing and interventions can help restore balance.
- If you feel unrested in the morning, you might not be getting enough deep sleep. Tracking your deep sleep with a sleep app or device can provide valuable insights.
Monitoring and addressing these sleep factors can lead to better rest and overall well-being.