Melatonin

• Found to extend the life span of laboratory animals 25 percent^4,5,6
• Displays powerful anti-oxidant properties⁷
• Shown to stimulate the immune system⁸
• Excellent treatment for jet lag

Melatonin is widely regarded as the "hormone of sleep." It is a light-sensitive hormone secreted rhythmically by the pineal gland located deep within the brain. The level of melatonin in the bloodstream is low through the daylight hours and begins to rise in the early evening, priming the brain for sleep.¹

Sleep is critical to good health, yet more than one-third of Americans report some type of sleep disturbance and over 20 million have occasional insomnia. Sleep deprivation for a prolonged period of time can lead to stress and depression of immune function.

Melatonin is useful for maintaining healthy sleep patterns.^2,3 However, the effects of melatonin on the body are far greater than merely promotion of sleep.

Melatonin secretion peaks at age seven, then declines precipitously during adolescence. At about age 45, the pineal gland begins to shrink and loses the cells that produce melatonin. Hormone production becomes erratic such that by age 60, melatonin production is down to half of youthful levels. This contributes to the sleep difficulties experienced by so many seniors. In addition, the drop in melatonin alerts the other glands and organ systems that the time has come to wind down. In women, the ovaries stop functioning, levels of estrogen drops, and women enter menopause. In men, the testes slow down production of hormones, and although sperm are still produced, the production of testosterone declines. In both sexes, immune system function declines. The other organs and body systems follow suit, and we begin the downward slide associated with aging.