Here's what you need to know about melatonin

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced and secreted by the pineal gland, and its concentration in plasma decreases during the day and increases at night. It is precisely through this diurnal secretion cycle of melatonin that the pineal gland sends a "time signal" to the central nervous system, which reduces body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, and induces drowsiness. Therefore, melatonin is also known as the body's natural "sleeping pills".

What are the factors that affect the secretion of melatonin?

1. Lighting

The secretion of melatonin is regulated by light, and the secretion level increases in the dark environment at night.

2. Jet lag

Jet lag can also affect the secretion of melatonin when traveling.

3. Age

After the age of 35, the gland function of the body decreases, and the secretion of melatonin will decrease significantly, on average, it will decrease by 10% to 15% every 10 years. In elderly patients with sleep disorders, melatonin decreased more significantly, and the secretion amount was only 1/10 of the peak period.