Back

­Top Benefits of Melatonin That Go Way Beyond Sleep

Feel the magic of melatonin and sleep better, feel better, and look better. Most of us think melatonin is nothing more than a sleep aid. While it’s true that melatonin can help lull you to drift off faster, this natural hormone that is produced when we sleep has many other key benefits that will surprise you in a good way. From PMS and anxiety prevention to mitigating migraines and acid reflux, melatonin can save the day (and the night.) 

What is Melatonin Exactly?

Before we get into all the top benefits melatonin offers, let’s learn more about it. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and is responsible for regulating your body’s circadian rhythm (sleep cycles) as well as your body’s internal clock. The amount of melatonin released in your body increases when it's dark and decreases when it's light. When taken at bedtime, melatonin will help you fall asleep and stay asleep, perfect for nights you are watching the clock tick. Melatonin production declines with age, but with a little help from today’s pharma, we can take a supplement to help aid insomnia, anxiety, and restless nights.

More Key Benefits of Melatonin

Aside from sleep, which we love, melatonin brings many wondrous benefits. Did you know that it might reduce PMS symptoms, fight off migraines, and keep diabetes at bay? In fact, research shows that melatonin may even improve eye health, help with acid reflux, and reduce symptoms of seasonal depression. 

 

  1. PMS: Studies show that those suffering from PMS symptoms (cramps, mood, headaches) also have low melatonin production, which plays a role in Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD. Supplements can help regulate melatonin levels and decrease PMS symptoms.
  2. Anxiety: Melatonin supplements may be used to treat mild anxiety. Studies indicate that the same calming effect that helps with sleep also reduces nerves that cause anxiety.
  3. Aging: Though studies are limited to animals, melatonin has been shown to slow down the aging process and delay the first signs of aging. The antioxidant properties are said to rival that of vitamins C and E, plus with the added sleep benefits, skin looks more refreshed. Whether it’s true or not, I’ll take it.
  4. Diabetes: Melatonin might be useful in managing diabetes symptoms and complications. The antioxidant properties in melatonin have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and help regulate insulin secretion.
  5. Manage migraines: Studies show that those who suffer from migraines have low melatonin production. Adding a melatonin supplement helped relieve pain and decreased headache recurrence in those with frequent migraines.
  6. Acid reflux (GERD): Melatonin has been shown to block the secretion of stomach acids which causes acid reflux. It also decreases the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter your esophagus. For this reason, research suggests that melatonin may be used to treat GERD and heartburn.
  7. Fitness and bodybuilding: Melatonin won't magically add muscles, but it can aid in your fitness goals. It helps release growth hormones within the body, making it easier to lose weight and build muscle mass.
  8. Blood pressure: Melatonin’s effect on the body’s biological clock has been linked to lower blood pressure in those with hypertension. Although research is limited, it is also believed that this result could just be from the added sleep benefits that it brings. Either way, it helps.

 

There you have it; melatonin is so much more than just a natural sleep aid. It offers many benefits from head to toe and is found over the counter. Melatonin supplements are everywhere, but our great-tasting Sleep Easy gummies are designed to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. Checkable Medical's propriety formula uses a hybrid of natural sleep aids and vitamins, including melatonin, vitamin B6, and natural Passiflora extract, which will help adjust your internal body clock to nudge you to sleep gently. Plus, it can help with all of the above benefits; just remember to take it 30 minutes before bedtime.