Welcome to CannaGlobe’s Weekly Hit, your preferred guide to the world of good health through Cannabis and Mushrooms.
Today we will take a look at melatonin, something I learned about probably 8 or 9 years ago. Produced by the pineal gland in the brain, melatonin is a hormone that mainly regulates your body’s circadian rhythm, thereby managing your natural sleep cycle. As a result, it is frequently used as a sleep aid to combat insomnia. Beyond improving sleep, melatonin is involved in regulating immune function, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. It also functions as an antioxidant, with studies indicating it may benefit several health conditions such as eye health, seasonal depression, and acid reflux.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, is a condition estimated to affect up to 10% of people worldwide. This depression type is related to seasonal changes, with symptoms typically emerging in late fall to early winter. Some research suggests it could be linked to shifts in circadian rhythm due to changes in seasonal light. Because melatonin regulates circadian rhythm, low doses are often used to alleviate symptoms of seasonal depression. One study involving 68 individuals found that circadian rhythm changes contributed to SAD, but daily melatonin capsules effectively reduced symptoms.
Vital for growth and cellular regeneration, human growth hormone (HGH) has been linked to increased strength and muscle mass when present in higher levels. Studies indicate that melatonin supplementation may elevate HGH levels in men. A small study of eight men showed that both low (0.5 mg) and high (5 mg) doses of melatonin successfully increased HGH levels.
Packed with antioxidants, melatonin can help prevent cell damage and support eye health. Research suggests that melatonin may be useful in treating glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A study of 100 people with AMD showed that supplementing with 3 mg of melatonin for 6-24 months protected the retina, slowed age-related damage, and maintained visual clarity.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, nausea, and belching. Melatonin has been found to block stomach acid secretion and decrease nitric oxide production, which helps prevent the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and subsequent acid reflux. Therefore, melatonin may be useful in treating heartburn and GERD.
