What releases melatonin?

Are you having trouble sleeping? Well, look no further because the solution to your insomnia woes is right here: melatonin! Yes, this hormone is vital when it comes to regulating sleep-wake cycles. But what exactly releases melatonin? Let’s take a closer look.

The Pineal Gland Is Key

The pineal gland is an endocrine gland located deep within our brains. This small but mighty gland plays a crucial role in producing and releasing melatonin into our bloodstream. Although tiny in size—about the size of a pea—the pineal gland performs some remarkable functions.

Brain Eyes

Did you know that the human brain also has eyes? No kidding! It’s called the third eye or the pineal gland. Even weirder: reptiles and birds have their third eye in between their regular two eyes (yup!).

Light and Darkness Matter

So, going back to melatonin production…the release of this hormone from the pineal gland is highly dependent on light-darkness cycles.

• Bright light suppresses its secretion
• Darkness stimulates it

During nighttime hours, when there is less exposure to bright light, serotonin gets converted into melatonin as darkness falls (Time for some science!).

But how does this occur?

The RAS (reticular activating system) communicates with the SCN (suprachiasmatic nucleus), known as “the body’s clock” by receiving input from photographs that help adjust circadian rhythms/clocks according to time zones (Jetlag much?)

And voila – Your body produces more collagen while you sleep!

Food That Can Help Produce More Melatonin

If bedtime diets sound like music 🎵to your ears start thinking about meals that will aid better producedmelatoninaion explained below:

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruit consumption may benefit both quality and quantity of sleep. After consuming 2 kiwi fruit an hour before bedtime for just one week, the time it took to fall asleep was shortened by 35% The digestion of Kiwifruit is also low which ensures that youdigestionn’t have difficulty sleeping due to feeling too full!

Cherries

Juice from tart cherries promote sleepiness and increases melatonin in a significant way.

Milk or Yogurt

Calcium helps the brain use tryptophan – this amino acid converts into serotonin –which relaxes people- combined with Vitamin D creates melatonin

Factors That Can Reduce Melatonin Production

Not everything can be hunky dory when it comes to our bodies producing enough melatonin. Here are some factors that may deter your pineal gland’s ability to synthesize melatonin:

1️⃣ Exposure to Blue Light:
During nighttime hours if we expose ourselves more towards blue light sources such as phones(computers etc) instead of basking yourself in calm and soothing environment will produce less amount of this 💤 hormone

2️⃣ Prescribed Medication:
Some medication suppresses the production like beta blockers & blood pressure medication therefore always consult your doctors,before taking any other medicines than enhances these side effects

3️⃣ High Amounts Of Caffeine🙄:
Studies show consistent caffeine intake over days or weeks caused lesser-production of 𝖘𝖑𝖊𝖕 inducing hormone.

4️⃣ Jet Lag 😴: Crossing time zones disrupts your body’s circadian clock leading difficulties toward regulation…Hence why jet lag causes certain symptoms related through shifting body rhythms

Wrapping Up

Melatonin plays a key role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, making sure we get those adequate zzzz’s each night! From what triggers its secretion (including food!)to things that discourage melatonin production, we’ve covered it all.

So here’s to hoping that you have better sleep tonight! Lights out 🌃