Melatonin increases the speed of falling asleep and adds to the quality of sleep. It also has a strong antioxidant property and is important for protecting cellular DNA.

Benefits at a Glance

• Restores optimal sleep.
• Promotes a balanced circadian rhythm.
• Balances immune function.
• Protects cellular DNA by inhibiting oxidative stress and free radicals.

Melatonin is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan. In humans, melatonin is primarily synthesized in the pineal gland and is released mostly at night to make falling asleep easier and improve the quality of sleep. In addition to sleep, melatonin has a strong antioxidant property and has been shown to support many other aspects of health such as immune and brain function.

Melatonin and Sleep

Melatonin is a hormone that is necessary for keeping our circadian rhythm in tune.1,2 Many people experience difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. These issues occur because the secretion of melatonin declines with age, causing many of our biological functions to become impaired.3-5 Furthermore, melatonin release can also be affected by jet lag, shift work, and poor vision.6-8 A good night's sleep is crucial for overall energy and well-being, so melatonin is important for everyone!

The Antioxidant Properties of Melatonin

Melatonin also has strong antioxidant properties. It directly scavenges both hydroxyl and peroxyl free radicals, and it does so more effectively than most other antioxidants. It also greatly potentiates the efficiency of other endogenous and exogenous antioxidants.9 Melatonin is especially important for protecting cellular DNA against peroxynitrite damage by inhibiting peroxynitrite free radical reactions.10 And melatonin has been found to be superior to glutathione-3 as well as vitamins C and E in reducing oxidative damage.11

Melatonin's Immune-Supporting Effects

Melatonin has a beneficial impact on the immune system—it activates T-helper cells to trigger other immune cells in order to naturally boost its responsiveness to foreign molecules.12,13

Support your Brain with Melatonin

The cognitive decline that occurs as we age may be directly related to the drop in melatonin.14-16 Melatonin supplementation can help support the brain's natural antioxidant protection and potentially inhibit the factors that can lead to cognitive decline.17-20

Don't let your health decline—support optimal sleep and well-being by being proactive and stocking up on melatonin today!

References

1. Free Radic Res. 2002 Dec;36(12):1323-9.
2. J Endocrinol. 1981 Dec;91(3):467-75.
3. J Pineal Res. 1994 May;16(4):178-83.
4. Maturitas. 2002 Apr 15;41 Suppl 1:S85-104.
5. Chronobiol Int. 2000 May;17(3):419-32.
6. Pineal Res. 2011 Jan;50(1):1-7.
7. Bull Acad Natl Med. 2011 Oct;195(7):1527-46; discussion 1547-9.
8. Curr Med Chem. 2012;19(21):3508-22.
9. Aging (Milano). Oct1995;7(5):340-51.
10. J Endocrinol Invest. 2006 Mar;29(3):281-7.
11. Interdiscip Toxicol. 2008 Sep;1(2):137-49.
12. Eur J Cancer. 1999;35:1688-92.
13. J Pineal Res. 2001;30:123-6.
14. Neurotox Res. 2013 Apr;23(3):267-300.
15. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2003 Oct;47(4):373-86.
16. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1035:197-215.
17. Neurotox Res. 2013 Apr;23(3):267-300.
18. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2005 Nov;1056:430-49.
19. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1035:216-30.
20. An R Acad Nac Med (Madr). 2008;125(4):681-96.