In a society characterized by performance pressure, mobile phones and televisions are making it increasingly difficult for people to get a restful sleep. Yet nothing is more important than healthy and restorative sleep to start the day refreshed, focused, and fit.
Our muscles also need rest to recover from strenuous and lengthy workouts, because, as we know, muscles only grow during the rest phase. If you also suffer from sleepdisorders, have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, then taking melatonin could besomething to consider.
What is melatonin and what does it do in the body?
Melatonin was discovered and named as early as 1958.
However, it wasn't until 1990 that Franz Waldhauser discovered the positive effects that melatonin supplementation can have on our sleep. The so-called "sleep hormone" melatonin is primarily produced in the pineal gland from serotonin and is responsible for regulating our circadian rhythm.
Tryptophan is converted via various intermediate steps into the hormone serotonin and finally melatonin. Tryptophan → 5-Hydroxytryptophan → Serotonin → Acetylserotonin → Melatonin
As soon as darkness falls, melatonin is produced. Melatonin makes us tired, promotes sleep, and slows down some bodily processes while activating others. For example, melatonin lowers body temperature and stimulates the immune system at night. Melatonin production peaks between 2 and 4 a.m. and then slowly declines, so we wake up again at daybreak.
When does melatonin make sense?
Nowadays, there are more and more disruptive factors that can impair the natural rhythm of our body and cause us to sleep poorly or not at all.
Stress, cell phones, television,shift work, intense evening workouts, medication, alcohol, tobacco, and energy drinkscan all contribute to poor sleep. Traveling to different time zones also disrupts our circadian rhythm. This so-called jet lagsignificantly interferes with our melatonin levels.
To achieve a peaceful and restful sleep, more and more people are turning to melatonin supplements. Since melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone, there are only a few side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness. These can occur if the recommended daily dose is exceeded.
Melatonin in old age
Natural melatonin levels can change with age, as the pineal gland calcifies and can no longer produce as much melatonin. People over 50, in particular, often struggle with melatonin deficiency and consequently have difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Melatonin levels decrease slightly with age, reaching only about twice the level found in daylight. Deteriorating eyesight also affects melatonin levels, as less daylight penetrates the eyes and the pineal gland can no longer produce as much melatonin as in younger years.
Melatonin is classified as a medication in Germany and is therefore generally not included in dietary supplements. However, since its classification is controversial and not definitively settled legally, over-the-counter melatonin supplements continue to appear on the German market.
Melatonin supplements are offered as capsules, sprays or chewable tablets and contain up to 10 mg of the active ingredient.
You can of course find the highest quality melatonin supplements in our online shop or in our store.