Melatonin: What is it? How to Increase Melatonin Levels?
Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland located in the middle of the brain and between the two hemispheres, regulates the sleep cycle and the body's circadian rhythm. It is also produced in low levels by organs of the digestive system such as the stomach and intestines, as well as bone marrow, retina, skin, and white blood cells. The hormone begins to be synthesized with the onset of darkness. Melatonin plays a crucial role in various biological and physiological processes such as strengthening the immune system, regulating body temperature, and cell renewal. Due to its lipophilic nature, it can dissolve in fat-type solvents, making it one of the most potent antioxidants known. Melatonin, which is secreted in large quantities during sleep in a dark environment, supports the body's mechanisms to maintain vital functions. Regardless of sleep duration, melatonin has a positive effect on sleep quality. Exposure to light between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM due to the invention of the lam
What is Melatonin?
Overview
Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has a significant impact on human health. Its primary function is to regulate the body's circadian rhythm. However, it also plays a crucial role in regulating sleep patterns and body temperature.
Antioxidant Properties
Melatonin, the most potent antioxidant due to its ability to reach all structures in the body, facilitates many essential functions such as strengthening the immune system and cell renewal.
Secretion Process
Melatonin secretion from the brain requires darkness. This process is controlled by pinealocytes, or light-sensitive cells, in the brain. When it is dark, melatonin secretion begins, and when it is light, it stops. Hence, melatonin is also known as the "Dracula hormone."
Circadian Rhythm
Melatonin secretion starts increasing between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, peaks between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and then decreases again between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, gradually reaching its basal level.
Production and Distribution
On average, about 30 mg of melatonin is synthesized in the body overnight. While the melatonin level in the blood is 0-20 pg/dl during the daytime, it rises to 50-200 pg/ml during the night. Approximately 85% of melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland.
Health Benefits
Melatonin, with its well-known strong antioxidant properties, creates an antidepressant effect in individuals and is associated with various diseases, from cancer to heart diseases, making it essential for physiological and psychological health.
Sleep Quality
Factors that reduce sleep quality and the body's resistance to diseases include watching television, using a mobile phone, and exposure to light, especially blue light, during the hours of melatonin secretion at night.
How is Melatonin Secreted?
Melatonin is secreted by pinealocytes in the pineal gland in the brain, which increase hormone secretion linearly with the onset of darkness.
Production Process
Tryptophan converts to serotonin, which is then replaced by melatonin with the onset of darkness.
Light Sensitivity
Photoreceptors, defined as light-sensitive retinal cells, transmit information about the decrease in light intensity to the pineal gland in the brain, initiating melatonin secretion.
Sleep-Wake Cycle
As melatonin secretion increases, the feeling of sleep occurs, and incoming signals to the brain are less perceived, contributing to the sleep-wake cycle.
What Does Melatonin Do?
Melatonin determines the time of sleep and wakefulness in the body, starting to be secreted with the onset of darkness and peaking in the late hours.
Immune System Support
It plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system and has a significant effect on many physiological functions.
Key Functions
- Increases sleep quality regardless of sleep duration.
- Prevents cell damage through its antioxidant effect.
- Provides protection against infection and immune system diseases.
- Has a protective effect against different types of cancer, especially breast and colon cancer.
- Positive effects on acute pancreatitis and kidney inflammation.
- Reduces withdrawal symptoms seen in the reduction of benzodiazepine group drugs.
- Reduces the effect of stress on the immune system.
- Protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
How to Increase Melatonin Levels?
To increase melatonin levels, lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and alcohol consumption, limiting coffee intake, avoiding stress, going to bed before midnight, reducing evening food intake, avoiding screens in bed, and creating a dark sleeping environment can help. Melatonin supplements may also be considered under medical guidance for those experiencing sleep problems.
#Melatonin #SleepHealth #CircadianRhythm #Antioxidant #ImmuneSystem #HealthTips #SleepDisorders #Wellness #HealthyLiving #MelatoninBenefits #SleepQuality #NaturalRemedies #HolisticHealth #HealthyLifestyle #MindBodyHealth #SleepCycle #SleepScience #HealthAndWellness
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any health concerns or are experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or clinic, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
What's Your Reaction?
