Quick Take on Melatonin: Shedding Light on the Sleep Superhero

What you need to know before relying too much on melatonin for your beauty rest // Photo Credit: FreePik.

Have you noticed how every era seems to have its superhero supplement? From Vitamin E to the rise of resveratrol, the spotlight’s now on melatonin as the latest “wonder drug” in natural health circles.

But before diving into the superpowers attributed to this supplement, let’s take a chill pill and explore what a recent mammoth review article in the Nutrients journal revealed.

Melatonin and Sleep

We’re familiar with melatonin’s role in promoting sleep. The hormone kicks in when our surroundings dim, helping us drift into dreamland. In certain situations like jet lag or shift work, supplements mimic this natural response, inducing a sense of sleepiness.

Beyond Just Zzz’s

Surprisingly, melatonin isn’t a one-trick pony. It moonlights as an antioxidant superhero, too! It shields skin cells from harmful UV radiation, scavenges free radicals in cells, and even plays a role in gut health and brain function. Plus, it might battle inflammation and keep cholesterol levels in check.

Why the Hype for Supplements?

As we age, melatonin production takes a nosedive. Factors like light exposure, travel, or night shifts can throw this hormone out of whack. So…