The sleep hormone
When it gets dark, melatonin is released into your body. When it gets light, production stops. Basically, melatonin regulates your day and night rhythm.
Melatonin causes the body temperature to drop, letting the body know that it is nighttime and to rest. When the substance gets into the blood, we become drowsy and fall asleep.
Melatonin Production
When it gets light, melatonin production stops and we wake up. As we age, the body produces less melatonin; therefore seniors sleep less.
Melatonin calms and restores the body, which is essential for optimal health. The substance supports the cardiovascular system, protects against free radicals, supports the immune system, has a beneficial effect on signs of aging and reduces tension.
Melatonin is the most commonly used sleep aid in the United States. Melatonin is also available in the Netherlands.
Melatonin tablets
Everyone produces the sleep hormone melatonin. Your body’s own melatonin production changes with age, daily sleeping problems, shift work or jet lag.
Melatonin tablets help your body to sleep better; this restores your natural day/night rhythm. Because it is a natural body substance and not a sleeping aid, it has no side effects such as addiction.
The downside is that it can cause daytime sleepiness. It also affects the hormone balance, so it is wise to use it in moderation. Tablets are available at the drugstore without a prescription.
Other sleeping aids
There are also good homeopathic remedies on the market, such as valerian drops, herbal teas or essential oils. Eating certain foods, such as milk or malt products, also promote the production of melatonin in your body. But only in small amounts.
