Melatonin and its effects
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the human body that helps maintain the right balance between sleep and wakefulness.
It is produced by a gland in the brain called the pituitary gland or pineal gland.
Its production varies according to different factors.
First of all it is greater during the night and less during the day, moreover it varies according to the age: it is very low in the first years, it increases progressively in the middle age and finally it decreases from adults and then from elderly.
It also acts as a re-balancer, in moments of life when this balance is lacking. In these cases, melatonin supplements are recommended, of course subject to medical advice.
In fact, in periods of particular fatigue or stress in which you suffer from insomnia it may be appropriate to take melatonin-based supplements, with the appropriate recommendations from a specialist.
How melatonin works
The pineal or pituitary gland produces melatonin based on the amount of light, therefore the maximum concentration occurs in the hours of darkness between 2 and 4 am and is reduced as the dawn arrives. Newborns produce very low levels of melatonin, these levels normalize from the third month of life.
During adolescence the production can be irregular, to then normalize at a young age.
Melatonin therefore acts on the balance between sleep and wakefulness, synchronizing the biological clock with which we alternate rest per day.
When it is useful to use melatonin
For various reasons the sleep-wake balance may undergo some deviation.
For example in moments of high stress or when traveling and changing habits. Or when you suffer a time zone, especially if several hours.
Taking melatonin may help to adjust the sleep and waking rhythms in times of difficulty.
As with all supplements, it is always advisable to discuss this with your doctor first.
In fact, conditions may exist in which the administration of melatonin is not recommended, for example in the presence of some allergies, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The benefits of melatonin can be amplified thanks to a balanced lifestyle, in which there is a bit of physical movement, a balanced and light diet, a regular rhythm of life.
Even overweight is another risk factor for insomnia and the imbalance between wakefulness and sleep.
In addition, some foods can induce melatonin production, such as tomatoes, bananas. Cherries, walnuts.
The correct conservation of melatonin
Like all supplements, melatonin must also be kept at a controlled temperature, so that its integrity and effectiveness are guaranteed.
In all quality melatonin supplements, the indication to store in a cool and dry place, far from heat sources is clearly visible. The expiry date refers to the product properly stored in unopened package.
Temperature preservation must be guaranteed at all stages of the supply chain, from the producer to the consumer, through transport and logistics.
It is very important to request natural products and supplements from supply chains where these good practices are adopted.