5 things you need to know about melatonin

1. We all have melatonin

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. Your body will produce more melatonin at night time to help you wind down and go to sleep, and less during daylight hours.

2. Melatonin is the body’s pacemaker

Melatonin is responsible for ‘keeping time’ in your body – it will signal to you not only what time of day it is, but also the time of year. Melatonin’s role is to help regulate your body’s internal clock.

3. Melatonin is in some foods

Melatonin is naturally occurring in some foods, including grains such as rice, barley, and rolled oats, as well as fruits such as corn, asparagus, and olives, and lots of nuts and seeds, including peanuts and walnuts, as well as sunflower, mustard and flaxseeds.

4. A regular sleep schedule means healthy melatonin levels

Melatonin levels increase about two hours before you go to sleep, so having a regular bedtime will mean you are ‘working with’ your body’s production of melatonin, and will ensure a healthy sleep schedule and better quality sleep!

5. Melatonin’s nemesis is blue light

Blue light is the natural enemy of melatonin. Research has shown that the blue light from our phones and computers can suppress natural melatonin levels. This is why you may find it harder to wind down after using a phone or laptop before bed.