Melatonin has become a popular sleep aid, but there are many misconceptions about what it can and cannot do. With widespread acclaim yet mixed messages about its safety, melatonin has sparked controversy in health and wellness circles. We’re here to shed some light on the subject, separate fact from fiction, and reveal lesser-known benefits of this super hormone.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. When exposed to darkness, the brain’s pineal gland secretes melatonin, signaling the body that it’s time to rest. While you’ve probably only heard about melatonin in relation to sleep, it actually impacts much more. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular detoxification. It promotes anti-inflammatory effects and benefits gut health, immunity, and brain function.

Debunking Myths About Melatonin

Myth #1: Melatonin is a sleep inducer.

Fact: Melatonin does not directly make you fall asleep. Instead, it helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle by telling your brain that it’s bedtime. This helps the brain transition to sleep mode and makes it easier to fall asleep. But melatonin doesn't knock you out or make you drowsy like a sleeping pill. It just signals your brain that it's time for bed and may decrease the time it takes to fall asleep.

Myth #2: Melatonin kicks in right away.

Fact: Melatonin takes anywhere from 30-120 minutes to enter your bloodstream. Most people feel the effects an hour or more after taking it. This is because melatonin must be absorbed and travel through the body before signaling the brain for sleep. For best results, take melatonin 30-60 minutes before you want to hit the hay.

Myth #3: Supplements suppress natural melatonin production.

Fact: Supplementing with melatonin does not shut off or weaken your body’s natural melatonin production. This is a valid concern for many hormones, which often have negative feedback mechanisms to maintain balance. But research shows that even mega-doses of melatonin exceeding 50g don’t hinder the body’s ability to take it. Your natural melatonin levels do decrease as you age. So, supplements can be especially helpful for folks in their golden years.

Myth #4: Melatonin is only made in the brain.

Fact: Melatonin is primarily produced in the brain, but your gut actually makes melatonin too. In fact, there’s 400 times more melatonin in your gut than in your brain! This shows melatonin isn't just about sleep. It reaches way beyond just telling your brain it's time for bed, impacting your overall health and hormone function.

Myth #5: Melatonin is just for sleep.

Fact: Melatonin goes way beyond helping you fall and stay asleep. New research shows melatonin has wide-ranging benefits, from your gut to your skin. Here are a few fascinating benefits of melatonin:

• Melatonin promotes a positive impact on gut health and immunity: Melatonin plays a role in regulating the gut microbiome, the community of trillions of bacteria that live in our gut. It promotes protection of the gut lining, improved digestion, and reduced inflammation. Melatonin also boosts the production and strength of immune cells, helping fend off illnesses.
• Melatonin may promote improved cognition and brain function: Melatonin has been shown to support improved memory, learning, and attention. A 2018 study found that melatonin supplements improved focus and retention in people with mild cognitive impairment. This ongoing research offers hope for those suffering from degenerative diseases.
• Melatonin Can Support Reduced Symptoms of chronic infections: Studies suggest that melatonin may assist in alleviating the effects of long COVID-19, Lyme disease, and mycotoxin illnesses due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory properties. It also helps support healthy circadian rhythms and may promote relief from lingering symptoms.
• Melatonin is a powerful detox agent for your cells: Melatonin enhances cellular detoxification without depleting essential nutrients. It supports the body's natural detoxification process while alleviating inflammation.
• Melatonin benefits collagen synthesis: Melatonin stimulates type I collagen production, benefiting skin, hair, bone, and tissue health. It also acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
• Melatonin has more antioxidant power than vitamin C or vitamin E: Melatonin outshines vitamins C and E in antioxidant potential, safeguarding cellular health and supporting the prevention of various diseases.
• Melatonin benefits the glymphatic system: The glymphatic system, responsible for clearing toxins from the brain, functions optimally during sleep. Melatonin enhances this process, making it a valuable ally in maintaining brain function and healthy aging.

How to Boost Melatonin Naturally:

• Establish a consistent circadian rhythm.
• Pay attention to serotonin levels, which are precursors to melatonin.
• Prioritize gut health, as over 90% of melatonin and serotonin production occurs in the gut.
• Reduce screen time before bedtime to promote natural melatonin production.

Selecting the Best Melatonin Supplement

There are tons of melatonin supplements out there, all claiming to be the best, but not all are created equal. When you’re on the hunt for melatonin or any sleep support aid, pay close attention to the ingredients, quality, and dosage. Some melatonin supplements only contain melatonin.  Others add natural herbs to promote relaxation and restorative sleep. One standout sleep supplement is Dormimax™,  a carefully crafted blend of melatonin plus vitamins, minerals, and herbs known to aid sleep. With magnesium, valerian root, and passion flower, this powerful combo supports healthy sleep cycles, promotes reduced anxiety, supports the nervous system, and promotes relief from symptoms associated with sleep disorders. Domimax™ is available in capsules or liquid form.

Turns out melatonin is way more than just a sleep hormone! This versatile little supplement doesn't just affect your zzz's - it also impacts gut health, longevity, and more. Now you've got the facts on what melatonin can and can't do. Use this info to make smart choices if you want to try melatonin for better sleep and better health. Who knew such a sleepy hormone could be so lively after all?

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Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic-American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.

The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.