- Image by Hygiene Matters via Flickr
The hormone melatonin is a well documented natural sleep aid offering relief for many people, but I bet you may not know that it might also make you feel a bit younger. Anti-aging benefits are created by melatonin’s ability to increase the body’s release of HGH (human growth hormone), which is a youth-promoting hormone. Studies have also shown that because it’s a strong antioxidant, free radicals that cause cell damage can be destroyed by the presence of melatonin, and extra enzymes the body creates with its help can improve skin quality and protect against various illnesses.
There are a couple of ways to boost your melatonin supplies. The first is the most natural – sleep in a very dark room. It’s also wise to turn down the lights a little while before turning in, which should lead to melatonin production and sleepiness. Darkness actually increases melatonin production, while bright sunlight and the “blue” light generated from fluorescent lighting can both suppress it. This might explain why blind people tend to manufacture more melatonin.
With hectic stressful lifestyles, caffeine consumption, and long days filled with work and family obligations, it’s easy for the body’s melatonin supplies to run low. Melatonin supplementation can help restore bodily supplies, assist you with better sleep (and allow you to fall asleep faster), while adding the antioxidant benefits mentioned above. Give it a try if you’re having trouble sleeping, or if you just want to take advantage of its additional benefits.
