Melatonin

The Sleep Hormone

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that puts you to sleep and keeps you asleep. Women are particularly susceptible to Melatonin deficiency because of their roll as the primary caregiver for children that results in frequently disrupted sleep cycles. Also, during menopause our levels are depleted because of hot flashes and progesterone deficiency that disrupts our bodies’ natural production of Melatonin.

The Circadian Rhythm:

Melatonin also maintains the body’s circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour “clock” that plays a critical role in when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Ancient Egyptians used to call the Pineal Gland, where melatonin is secreted, the third eye. When it is dark, your body produces more melatonin; when it is light, the production of melatonin drops. Being exposed to bright lights in the evening or too little light during the day can disrupt the body’s normal melatonin cycles. For example, jet lag, shift work, and poor vision can disrupt melatonin cycles. Our physicians at Harding Medical Institute are specialists in Sleep Disorder Medicine and melatonin regulation.

Melatonin More Than Just Sleep:

Melatonin, besides being a sleep hormone, is a very powerful antioxidant, anti-aging agent, immunoregulator, anti-depressant, and sexual dysfunction regulator. Melatonin influences mood, stress response, release of sex hormones, and stimulates the production of growth hormone. Recent research is investigating how adequate levels may help to prevent cancer. Certain medications can decrease melatonin levels such as hypertensive medications, antidepressants, ibuprofen, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Adequate B vitamins are also necessary for the production of melatonin by the brain.

Melatonin Influences The Following:

• Sleep
• Mood
• Stress response
• Immune function
• Release of sex hormones
• Antioxidant activity (It is more potent than Vitamin C or E.)
• Helps to prevent cancer
• Blocks estrogen from binding to estrogen receptors
• Stimulates the parathyroid gland which regulates bone formation
• Stimulates the production of growth hormone
• Decreases cortisol
• Increases the action of benzodiazepine medications

Factors Increasing Melatonin Production:

• Supplementation
• Sleep
• Medication
• Exercise

Factors That Can Decrease Melatonin:

• Beta Blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha adrenergic blockers
• Ibuprofen
• Tranquilizers
• Aspirin
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Electromagnetic fields

Elite Melatonin Level Testing:

The Harding Medical Institute specializes in women’s hormone health. Hormone balance and hormone replacement are essential to giving back your energy, vitality, and youthful sexuality. We thoroughly evaluate all of your hormone levels with the top endocrine diagnostic labs in the world to insure precise, advanced results. Each laboratory is selected based on rigorous credentials and excellence in their specific field.

Overcoming The Symptoms Of Melatonin Imbalance

Fortunately, melatonin imbalance can be treated. The goal of your treatment plan is to restore the balance of hormones in your body and help you feel good again. By restoring the balance between all of your hormones symptoms can be alleviated and even eliminated.

Call 407.210.2101 now and take advantage of our FREE Melatonin Consultation today.