What is melatonin for? Helps relieve stress. Melatonin and night rest

The regulation of sleep and wake cycles is controlled by the hormone melatonin, which is produced pineal gland.

Production of melatonin by the pineal gland

pineal gland is a pea-sized gland located just above the brain. During the day, the pineal gland is inactive. With the onset of night, the pineal gland is activated by the pituitary gland and begins to actively produce melatonin, which is released into the blood. This usually happens around 21 pm.

As a result, the level of melatonin in the blood increases dramatically, and we become less alert and sleepy.

It is important to note that strong artificial light has the ability to prevent the synthesis of melatonin, therefore, in order to fall asleep normally and improve the quality of sleep at night, it is desirable that the lighting in the room was as small as possible.

If for some reason you cannot take care of the increase natural production melatonin, the easiest way to compensate for its deficiency is by taking melatonin supplements.

Application of melatonin

In addition, melatonin is most commonly used to treat insomnia.

Melatonin is sometimes prescribed for people who suffer from:

• fibromyalgia;

• migraine;

• cluster headache;

Melatonin is also used:

• to regulate sleep/wake cycles in people who are blind;

• in children, melatonin is used for insomnia associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;

• in children with developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy and mental disorders.

Other uses of melatonin:

An adjunct to smoking cessation by reducing the effects of withdrawal symptoms - that is, cravings for nicotine.

Reduce some of the side effects of chemotherapy, including weight loss, nerve pain, weakness.

The benefits of sleep hormone and long life

Melatonin has unique health benefits that some people don't even realize.

Melatonin is a substance that:

• extremely beneficial effect on the immune system;

• a powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation;

• melatonin even plays a significant role in delaying the aging of brain cells and the body as a whole;

• regulation and maintenance;

• contributes to the prevention of obesity, diabetes and heart disorders;

• reduces and regulates the level of the so-called bad.

Melatonin for cancer prevention

Melatonin is a powerful ally in prevention oncological diseases. It has the ability to inhibit the proliferation of many types of tumor cells to induce apoptosis (self-destruction) cancer cells. The hormone also prevents the creation of new blood vessels that feed tumor cells (angiogenesis) and thereby prevent their growth.

Melatonin increases the effectiveness and reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy in the treatment of oncology. In these cases, the introduction of melatonin begins approximately 7 days before starting chemotherapy.

This hormone not only stimulates the self-destruction of cancer cells, but also increases the production of immune-boosting substances such as interleukin-2, which helps identify and attack mutated cells that lead to cancer.

On the this stage most studies have been on the effect of melatonin on the development of breast cancer. But it has also been observed that melatonin is able to protect against the development of precancerous ovarian, endometrial, testicular and prostate cancers.

The effect of melatonin on sleep

A typical dose (1 to 3 mg) can increase blood levels of melatonin from 1 to 20 times normal. This improves sleep quality and duration. Increasing the concentration of melatonin in the blood also helps to reduce the number of nocturnal awakenings.

The hormone is sold in tablets and liquid form. The dosage is determined depending on the specific condition of the person, concomitant diseases, body weight, age, etc., and is determined only by the attending physician.

It is advisable to use low doses of melatonin when taken for the first time.

It is necessary to take melatonin tablets immediately before bedtime or in preparation for sleep, but not earlier than 30 minutes. This product may affect your sleep-wake cycle for several days if you travel across different time zones.

If you are taking this product for other medical conditions that are not related to sleep, you should follow your healthcare professional's instructions on when and how to take melatonin.

If you missed a dose?

Because melatonin is only used when needed, you don't need to take it on a schedule unless otherwise directed. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

Melatonin is stored at room temperature, insulated from moisture and direct heat sources. Keep blister packs out of the reach of children and pets.

Contraindications for use

Although it is available as a dietary supplement, melatonin is not suitable for everyone. It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking melatonin.

There are several diseases and conditions in which the administration of melatonin is contraindicated:

• arterial hypertension;
• diabetes – melatonin can lead to high content blood sugar in diabetics;
• depression;
• epilepsy - melatonin may increase the risk of seizures;
• violations immune system;
• liver disease;
• kidney problems;

Reception of melatonin is absolutely contraindicated in the development of an allergy to it.

Features of the use of melatonin

Pregnancy

There is no clear evidence that taking melatonin can harm fetal development. But, it's still best not to use melatonin without consulting your doctor.

It has been found that high doses of melatonin can affect ovulation, leading to difficulty in trying to conceive, and a contraceptive effect. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is best not to take melatonin.

Breast-feeding

To avoid negative consequences it is desirable to stop breast-feeding if necessary, take melatonin.

Children

It is not advisable to give this supplement to children under the age of 16-18 without the advice of a physician. Taking melatonin in children and adolescents can lead to growth retardation due to its ability to influence the secretion of other hormones.

Precautionary measures

The safety of taking food supplements in long term unknown.

In order to prevent side effects follow all directions on the product label. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you suffer from any illness or are allergic to medicines.

Side effects

For most people, side effects are absent or occur early in therapy. Typically this is:

• daytime sleepiness;
• headache;
• dizziness.

Although more rare:

• irritability;
• short-term depressive thoughts;
• stomach cramps;
• decreased sex drive.

These side effects can occur when melatonin is taken in high concentrations.

If you notice any side effects and they do not disappear within 4-5 days, stop taking melatonin and consult your doctor.

Unfavorable combination of other drugs with melatonin

Combined with others pharmacological agents, which cause drowsiness, can significantly worsen this effect. These combinations should be avoided or consult your doctor:

• opiates
• narcotic painkillers,
• muscle relaxers,
• anxiety medications,
• antidepressants,
• during hormone replacement therapy,
• drugs used to control seizures.

Due to the risk of decreasing therapeutic action and creating the prerequisites for the occurrence of life-threatening conditions, it is advisable not to take melatonin in combination with:

• immunosuppressants (eg, cyclosporine);
• corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
• vasodilator drugs such as nifedipine.

Other drugs may also have adverse interactions, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.

Features of nutrition in the treatment of melatonin

It is advisable not to consume alcohol along with melatonin due to the risk of excessive drowsiness and disturbances in the rhythm of sleep and wakefulness.

Alcohol can reduce the activity of melatonin. It is advisable to limit yourself to one glass of wine when taking melatonin.

Food

Some food products have the ability to influence the absorption of certain drugs. In the case of melatonin, interactions have not been established, but it is possible.

Herbs and supplements with sedative properties

The use of melatonin with herbs that have sedative properties can enhance the action and side effects of melatonin. Some of these additives include hops, valerian and others.

Signs of an allergic reaction to melatonin

Allergic reactions to melatonin are rare, but still possible.

• rash;
• hives;
• labored breathing;
• chest tightness;
• swelling of the oral cavity;
• confusion;
• depression;
• fast heartbeat.

Although nutritional supplements are available and considered harmless, their arbitrary consumption is not desirable. Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin.

Did you know that during sleep, namely between 00:00 and 04:00 at night, the pineal gland hormone, melatonin, is produced in the human body? It is this hormone that is able to protect a person from negative impact stress and nervous shock. Melatonin can also be called a real miracle hormone of youth. After all, the higher its level in the blood, the longer body man retains his restorative powers and vitality important features aimed at maintaining the youthfulness of the skin and body.

When a person sleeps, the hormone restores the organs, cells and body of a person. The body comes to tone, rejuvenates and flourishes. This increases immunity, and resistance to various chronic diseases amplified several times. By the way, sufficient production of melatonin gives you a guarantee that the cells of the body will prevent the formation of a cancerous tumor.

Melatonin is a sleep hormone, which means that it is responsible for regulating the most important processes in full life person. Which ones? Sleep and wake, of course. But, the role of the hormone does not end there. Doctors believe that the function of melatonin production in the body has a pharmacological effect.

The hormone is produced by the pineal gland, and it performs the following vital functions:

1. Regulates the rhythm and cycle of sleep and wakefulness;
2. Prevents stress;
3. Significantly reduces the aging process of the body;
4. Products containing the hormone strengthen the immune system;
5. Melatonin preparations act as blood pressure regulators;
6. The pineal hormone controls the work gastrointestinal tract;
7. Brain cells that contain melatonin live much longer and provide the activity of the central nervous system;
8. When the hormone is released enough, the body can counteract the formation of a cancerous tumor;
9. Controls body weight, prevents obesity;
10. Reduces headaches and toothaches.

Hormone production in the body

To understand the importance and responsibility of complying correct mode day, everyone should know how the hormone of the pineal gland is produced.

So that the body can carry out uninterrupted work, it contains great amount vitamins, amino acids, hormones. One of these amino acids, namely tryptophan, under the action of sunlight converted to the pineal hormone serotonin. And he, in turn, at night is exposed to chemical and biological impact and becomes the sleep hormone. This is how the miraculous hormone of the pineal gland is synthesized from serotonin and enters the bloodstream.

Therefore, it is so important that a person daily be in the sun for at least one hour. Everything in the body is interconnected, which is why serotonin forces you to physiologically and biologically stay in the sun so that melatonin is produced at night. Serotonin is also a hormone melatonin - two hormones produced by the pineal gland are indispensable for normal human life.

70% off total melatonin is synthesized at night. You can increase the production of the hormone of the pineal gland at a later time of the day with the help of subdued lighting. Doctors recommend not exposing the body to bright artificial light after 7 pm. Also, do not omit the role of biorhythms in human life. If you consider yourself a full-fledged owl, then it's time to wean yourself from this mode now, and turn into a lark. After all, it is from 8 pm to 4 am that there is a peak in the production of the hormone melanin from serotonin in the human body.

The role of the hormone in the body

If there is an insufficient amount of the pineal gland hormone in the human blood, then:

1. The first signs of aging will appear as early as 17 years old;
2. The accumulation of harmful free radicals will increase 5 times;
3. In six months, a person will gain from 5 to 10 kg of excess weight;
4. Menopause in women can occur at age 30;
5. The formation of breast cancer in the female population will increase to 80%.

It is worth remembering that it is impossible to replenish the reserves of serotonin and melatonin in a few days of sleep. Role good rest cannot be underestimated. Eight hours a day is enough time to produce 30 mg of melanin.

Cancer tumor

Scientists have proven that cancerous tumors in 60% of cases, substances are released that, in their own way, chemical composition similar to pineal hormones. It has been proven that if you act on malignant tumor the composition in which the hormones will be thyroid gland and the hormone of the pineal gland - melatonin, then the body begins to stimulate the production of immune cells. These functions of melatonin are invaluable for both science and human life.

In addition, studies have shown that all cancer patients have a sharp decline melatonin levels depending on the stage of the disease. It has been proven that the use of the hormone in combination with anticancer drugs significantly reduces the occurrence of side effects.

Hormone and depression

Get rid of depression, as well as reduce the risk of mental disorders You can use prolonged sleep or drugs containing melatonin. To do this, it is enough to be in the sun for more than 5 hours during the day and rest for more than 8 hours at night, and you will no longer need to treat depression with strong antidepressants.

Ways to increase hormone production in the body

In order for the hormone to be produced in the body in a natural way, certain rules must be observed. These include such as:

1. Going to bed no later than 10 pm;
2. In case of failure to comply with the first paragraph and being awake at midnight, then be sure to dim the light, avoid getting bright rays on the skin and eyes;
3. If 7-8 hours of sleep is not enough for you, then try to restore the body's strength through daytime rest;
4. Use a special sleep mask;
5. Do not sleep with the lights or nightlight on.

The presence of the hormone in food

Do not forget that melatonin is contained in food in more than sufficient quantities. In order to provoke the production of the hormone, you need to diversify the diet. B vitamins, carbohydrates, calcium, protein are the necessary catalysts for the production of melanin.

Pineal gland hormone is found in corn - fresh and canned; bananas; fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, radish; in greens - lettuce, parsley, dill, basil; oatmeal, barley porridge; raisins and nuts.

You need to know which foods contain tryptophan, the amino acid from which this hormone is synthesized. These are pumpkin, nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts), beans, beans. And also - lean meat (beef, turkey), chicken eggs and farm dairy products.

Sleep control menu

If the memory of the previous list went badly, then you can familiarize yourself with the menu that fights sleep. These are sandwiches with sausage or smoked meat, milk chocolate, energy and different kinds ketchups.

Do not forget that as soon as a person gets rid of bad habits- alcohol, smoking, drug addiction - the functions of melatonin production increase hundreds of times. But the abuse of sedative drugs can, on the contrary, reduce the amount of the hormone in the body.

Preparations containing a hormone

The older a person is, the less pineal gland hormone is contained in his body, which is why older people so often complain of diseases such as insomnia and sleep disturbance. How to increase its quantity? On the this moment There is only one way - medication.

You can fill the lack of melatonin with the help of tablets, capsules or injections. It is enough to take serotonin intravenously so that it can be synthesized into melatonin in order to get rid of insomnia and normalize the human condition.

Side effects

With extreme caution, the hormone of the pineal gland should be used for pregnant women, allergy sufferers, cancer patients, and patients with hormonal disorders.

At the moment, side effects after taking melatonin have not been studied. Critical or deaths was not noted. With an overdose of the drug, nausea, vomiting, indigestion are noted. Recommend injections of the drug even to small children. The hormone is indicated intravenously for those who suffer chronic insomnia and abnormalities in the functioning of vital organs.

You should not hope that the hormone will play the role of a magic pill aimed at weight loss, rejuvenation, treatment severe forms mental disorders or providing a full-fledged hypnotic effect.

In this article, Dear friends Let's talk about the effect of sleep on beauty. How true are the statements that we have heard more than once, “Sleep is the best beautician”, “Sleep is the best nutritionist”.

go through life hand in hand, they are interdependent.

In the human body during sleep, not a single cell sleeps, but continues to function, preparing us for wakefulness.

Normal sleep allows the body to restore immunity, psyche, maintain the balance of health and beauty hormones at the proper level:

• melatonin,
• growth,
• sexual,
• leptin and ghrelin and others.

Thanks to this, we get the opportunity to actively work and relax, think clearly and dream, and get involved in something in life.

Melatonin. With the onset of darkness, the production of melatonin, the main sleep hormone responsible for internal The biological clock and many important processes human body:

• regulation of natural daily allowances, easy falling asleep, ensuring working capacity during the day,
• improvement psycho-emotional state, stress relief,
• normalization of blood pressure,
• slowing down the aging of the body, increasing life expectancy,
• strengthening the immune system,
• normalization hormonal background and work endocrine system,
• reduction in fat percentage, which ensures optimal weight with normal duration sleep.
• protection of DNA and all biologically significant cells (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates) from free radicals - the main culprits of premature wear of the body, almost all diseases up to Alzheimer's and oncology.

The body of an adult produces melatonin up to 30 mcg per day. Moreover, its synthesis at night increases 30 times compared to the day and makes up 70% of the daily output. The largest number The hormone is produced around 2 am.

The higher the level of melatonin, the lower our activity, it seems to guide us, prompting when it is time for us to go to bed.

A growth hormone. After falling asleep (after one to two hours), the most active synthesis of growth hormone (somatotropin) occurs, which causes:

• body rejuvenation,
• regeneration cell systems and internal organs
• muscle growth,
• braking destructive processes in the body,
• reduction of body fat, turning it into muscle mass,
• acceleration of wound healing,
• bone growth up to 26 years, strengthening bones in people of any age,
• improved assimilation bone tissue calcium,
• strengthening immunity,
• increased sexual activity.

Somatotropin deficiency in adulthood provokes increased deposition of fat on the body, premature aging. It is very important to sleep from 22:00 to 2:00, in this phase deep sleep body cells are renewed, fats are burned, bones are strengthened (prevention of osteoporosis) and many other vital processes.

Many factors contribute to the normal synthesis of somatotropin, the most important of which is full and sufficient sleep.

Leptin and ghrelin, antipodal digestive hormones are responsible for burning calories. Leptin, produced by adipose tissue, transmits a satiety signal to the brain. Ghrelin is produced in the hypothalamus and in the stomach, regulates appetite and controls energy expenditure.

More on the topic:

• Which improve sleep and improve health. 24 examples with photos and descriptions of useful properties.
• what is the danger of refusing it, how to accustom yourself to eat in the morning.

Many people have heard of the sleep hormone melatonin. It is also called the hormone of life or longevity.

Scientists are still studying the properties of this substance, but positive impact it on the human body and its necessity for normal life has already been established.

Melatonin appears in the human body in several ways:

• naturally produced by the body
• comes with some foodstuffs,
• may come in the form of special drugs and supplements.

Production of melatonin in the body

The amount of hormone produced in the pineal gland depends on the time of day: about 70% of all melatonin in the body is produced at night. It is worth saying that the production of melatonin in the body also depends on the illumination: with excessive (daylight) illumination, the synthesis of the hormone decreases, and with a decrease in illumination, it increases. The activity of hormone production begins around 8 pm, and the peak of its concentration, when melatonin is produced in large quantities falls between midnight and 4 am. Therefore, it is very important to sleep in a dark room during these hours. In the body of an adult, about 30 micrograms of melatonin are synthesized daily.

To increase the level of melatonin produced naturally, you need to follow a few important rules:

• try to go to bed before 12 noon;
• if there is a need to stay awake after 12 o'clock at night, you should take care of the subdued light;
• make sure that there is enough sleep time to restore strength;
• before going to bed, turn off all light sources, tightly draw the curtains. If it is impossible to turn off the light - use a sleep mask;
• when waking up at night, do not turn on the light, but use a nightlight.

Properties of melatonin

The main function of the hormone melatonin is the regulation of the circadian rhythm of the human body. It is thanks to this hormone that we can fall asleep and sleep soundly.

• provides efficient work endocrine system of the body
• slows down the aging process in the body,
• helps the body adapt to changing time zones,
• stimulates protective functions body's immune system,
• has an antioxidant effect
• helps the body fight stress and the manifestation of seasonal depression,
• regulates the work of cardio-vascular system and blood pressure
• participates in the work digestive system organism,
• affects the production of other hormones in the body,
• has a positive effect on human brain cells.

The role of melatonin in the body is enormous. With a lack of melatonin, a person begins to age faster: accumulate free radicals, the regulation of body weight is disturbed, which leads to obesity, in women the risk of onset of early menopause increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

It is important to remember that melatonin does not build up in the body; you can’t sleep for a few days ahead and stock up on melatonin. It is important to regularly adhere to the correct sleep and wakefulness regimen and monitor your diet.

Melatonin in food

The hormone melatonin is produced in the body during varied diet, which must contain carbohydrates, proteins, calcium and vitamin B6. Some foods contain melatonin in pure form, in others, the components necessary for its synthesis.

Speaking about what products contain melatonin in its finished form, it is worth mentioning corn, bananas, tomatoes, rice, carrots, radishes, figs, parsley, oatmeal, nuts, barley and raisins.

The amino acid tryptophan is found in large quantities in pumpkin, walnuts and almonds, sesame seeds, cheese, lean beef and turkey meat, in chicken eggs and milk.

Vitamin B6 is rich in foods: bananas, Walnut, apricot, beans, sunflower seeds, lentils, red bell pepper.

A large amount of calcium is found in legumes, low-fat and whole milk, nuts, figs, cabbage, swede, soy, oatmeal and other useful products.

It is worth noting that the production of melatonin in the body stops with the use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, as well as certain drugs: containing caffeine, blockers calcium channels, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, anti-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants.

Melatonin preparations

As we age, the amount of sleep hormone produced decreases. This leads to sleep disturbance: nocturnal awakenings, poor sleep, insomnia. If the lack of melatonin in young body is practically not felt, then after 35 years its lack can affect the well-being of a person. Therefore, now doctors recommend artificially replenishing the lack of melatonin.

Produce various medications, including melatonin tablets or capsules. Before taking such drugs, you should consult your doctor to find out about the dosage, possible effect, contraindications for use, etc.

In America, melatonin preparations are produced as food supplement. In Russia in pharmacies or stores sports nutrition available the following drugs: Melaxen, Melaton, Melapur, Circadin, Yukalin, Melatonin.

Melatonin: contraindications for use

• pregnancy and lactation (no studies on how melatonin affects the development of the fetus and child),
• severe allergies and autoimmune diseases(possibly aggravation of the condition),
• oncological diseases: lymphoma and leukemia,
• age up to 18 years (in the body of children and adolescents, melatonin is produced in sufficient quantities),
• also a contraindication is hypersensitivity to melatonin, although this happens quite rarely.

Melatonin side effects

Melatonin is a low-toxic substance. Studies have been conducted in which it was revealed that even in large doses does not harm human health.

The advantage of the drug is that it very rarely causes side effects, but still the following are sometimes detected possible reactions: headache, nausea, morning sleepiness, diarrhea. Also possible allergic reactions or swelling. If you discuss all the details with your doctor before using the drug, all these consequences can be avoided. All side effects stop after the drug is discontinued.

When considering the positive and negative properties of the drug Melatonin, its harm is estimated to be much lower than the benefits it can bring.

The sleep hormone is intensively produced at night, when a person is at rest, due to which he acquired such a name. It regulates the biological clock. In addition, it has an antitumor, anti-stress and immunostimulating effect. Therefore, it is often called the hormone of youth, as well as longevity.

What is melatonin

Melatonin is an extremely important hormone. Production is carried out by the pineal gland. Its main task is to regulate periods of wakefulness and sleep. Hormones were discovered by Dr. Lerner Aaron in the late fifties of the last century. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that they are able to form at night and in a dream.

Sleep hormone functions

Melatonin is primarily responsible for managing the wake and sleep cycles, but its functions don't stop there. Among the main ones:

• cyclicity of biological rhythms;
• help in dealing with stress;
• slowing down the aging process;
• powerful antioxidant effect;
• strengthening immunity;
• normalization blood pressure and the process of blood circulation;
• control over the activity of the digestive organs;
• maintaining normal CNS;
• prevention of cell malignancy;
• stimulation of the production of growth hormone;
• pain suppression.

Action on the body

Due to the regulation of periods of sleep and wakefulness, a person has fast falling asleep. If the hormone is not enough, then the state becomes oppressed, depressed. There is drowsiness and lethargy.

Melatonin renders positive influence on the body. Scientists have already carried out clinical trials, during which it was revealed that under its influence, the cells necessary for immune protection. This helps prevent the development of cancer.

Melatonin also has an effect on nervous system. Medications based on it are widely used in the treatment of various mental disorders.

The process of hormone production

The youth hormone melatonin is produced in the gland of the brain. Synthesis starts closer to 21:00. During the day, there is an active production of serotonin. During the period of night rest, certain groups of enzymes act on it and convert it into a sleep hormone. At the biological level, melatonin and serotonin are interrelated.

Both of them are necessary for the body to function properly. The one that is produced only at nightfall is synthesized slowly until midnight. It reaches its maximum level closer to five in the morning.

Thus, it is possible to determine the hours of melatonin production: from 00:00 to 5:00.

Deficiency and excess of melatonin

The process of hormone production may decrease in children, but such changes are more often observed in adults. If a person does not sleep properly, it will adversely affect the state of the body. Chronic lack of it can lead to the following problems:

• signs of aging begin to appear even before adulthood;
• free radicals increase up to five times;
• menopause at the age of thirty;
• increased risk of onset of a malignant process;
• rapid weight gain.

There are several reasons why melatonin is produced in a meager amount:

• constant fatigue;
• work at night;
• sleep disorders;
• feelings of irritability and anxiety;
• psychosomatic illnesses;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• ulcer;
• schizophrenia;
• alcohol abuse;
• dermatosis.

At elevated level hormone, the following negative changes are observed:

• cardiopalmus;
• loss of appetite;
• increased blood pressure;
• slowing down reactions;
• periodic twitching of the upper body, contraction of facial muscles;
• depressive state.

Tests and hormone levels

The normal concentration of melatonin for an adult is 30 mcg daily. Its amount at night is up to thirty times greater than during the day. In order for the level of the hormone in the blood to regularly remain within such limits, you need to be at rest at night for eight hours.

The hormone is produced taking into account age in different quantities:

• up to twenty years there is an increased level;
• up to forty - medium;
• after fifty - quite low.

To determine its concentration, perform a blood test from a vein. The fence is produced at different time intervals during the day.

This procedure requires special preparation:

• within 12 hours it is forbidden to take medicines, use alcoholic drinks as well as coffee and tea;
• material is taken on an empty stomach;
• when examining women, the cycle of menstruation is taken into account;
• donate blood before 11:00;
• no other medical procedures are performed prior to the examination.

sleep hormone in food

If the hormone is produced in the body in a small amount, you can increase the level of melatonin by proper organization diet. It is found in products:

• banana;
• tomatoes;
• carrot;
• greens (particularly parsley);
• raisin;
• barley;
• radish;
• figs.

To saturate the body with an amino acid that stimulates the synthesis of the hormone, you need to eat cheese, sesame seeds, turkey, milk, eggs and beef, but only lean.

Melatonin preparations

A lack of melatonin in the body can lead to various problems with sleep and deterioration general condition. In this case, doctors recommend using a synthetic hormone. Medical treatment will help restore its normal concentration.

There are far from one sleep pills that drop in pharmacies and stores specializing in sports nutrition.

Most often they resort to the use of drugs such as Melapur, Melaxen, Yukalin and Melaton.

Contraindications for use

Medicines that contain the sleep hormone have a whole list of contraindications:

• the period of gestation and lactation;
• a history of autoimmune pathologies;
• severe allergy;
• they can not be taken by children and adolescents who have not reached the age of majority;
• hypersensitivity to the active substance.

Side effects

The sleep hormone is a low-toxic substance. Even if its dosage is exceeded, there is no negative effect on the body. Sometimes the following unwanted changes may occur:

• migraine;
• sleepiness in the morning;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• puffiness;
• allergy.

After discontinuation of the drug, all unpleasant symptoms disappear.

Melatonin, produced during sleep, is necessary for the body to function properly. Its lack can lead to a number of undesirable changes. Therefore, it is necessary to pay due attention to sleep and spend at rest for eight hours a day.