Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It is naturally released at night, and its levels decrease during the day, signaling the body to be awake and alert. However, melatonin is not only important for regulating sleep, but it also has several health benefits. In this blog, we will explore some of the health benefits of melatonin USP and provide a bibliography of sources for further reading.
1. Improves sleep quality
The most well-known benefit of melatonin USP is its ability to improve sleep quality. Melatonin supplements are often used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Research has shown that taking melatonin before bed can increase total sleep time, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, and improve the quality of sleep in people with sleep disorders.
2. Reduces symptoms of jet lag
Melatonin is also commonly used to reduce symptoms of jet lag. Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when traveling across multiple time zones. Melatonin supplements can help reset the body’s internal clock, reducing symptoms such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty falling asleep at night.
3. May improve mood
Melatonin has been shown to have potential mood-regulating effects. Research has found that melatonin levels are lower in people with depression, and supplementing with melatonin may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
4. May have anti-inflammatory effects
There is evidence to suggest that melatonin may have anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that melatonin can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
5. May improve gut health
Recent research has also suggested that melatonin may play a role in improving gut health. Melatonin receptors are present throughout the digestive system, and studies have shown that melatonin can improve gut motility and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Bibliography:
1. Ferracioli-Oda, E., Qawasmi, A., & Bloch, M. H. (2013). Meta-analysis: melatonin for the treatment of primary sleep disorders. PloS one, 8(5), e63773.
2. Herxheimer, A., & Petrie, K. J. (2002). Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).
3. Cardinali, D. P., & Hardeland, R. (2012). Inflammaging, metabolic syndrome and melatonin: a call for treatment studies. Neuroendocrinology Letters, 33(6), 640-648.
4. Reiter, R. J., Tan, D. X., & Fuentes-Broto, L. (2010). Melatonin: a multitasking molecule. Progress in brain research, 181, 127-151.
5. Sánchez, M. I., Boga, J. A., & Reiter, R. J. (2017). Melatonin modulates the autophagic response in acute liver failure induced by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Journal of pineal research, 62(2), e12379.