What is melatonin and how does it affect sleep

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland and also exists in plants and microorganisms. It was discovered and named by American dermatologist Aaron Lerner in 1958 and is mainly related to circadian rhythm and seasonal reproductive regulation.

In most animals, melatonin is synthesized and secreted primarily at night (from tryptophan conversion), it is also synthesized in many tissues and cells, including retina, bone marrow cells, platelets, gastrointestinal tract, skin or lymphocytes

Melatonin receptors are scattered throughout the body and appear to be multipurpose physiological signals involved in the control of many physiological processes, thereby affecting responses such as sleep, reproduction, molting, immune response, energy balance, and behavior

In addition, it has direct and indirect antioxidant properties, and there is strong evidence that this compound can counteract the harmful effects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen in different systems

When should melatonin be taken (dosage)?

If you want to try melatonin, it's best to start with a low dose.

For example, take 0.5 mg/mg (500 mcg) or 1 mg 30 minutes before bed.

If this dose doesn't help you fall asleep, try increasing it to 3 to 5 mg.

But taking more melatonin probably won't help you fall asleep faster, and the goal is to find the lowest dose that makes you fall asleep.

Does Melatonin Help Lighten Skin?

It is generally believed that melatonin can achieve whitening effect by inhibiting epidermal melanin (Melanin), but according to currently available research, oral melatonin has no effect on human skin pigmentation, so it is not helpful for skin whitening.

What is the difference between Melatonin and Melanin?

Melatonin is a hormone (hormone) responsible for the body's biological clock, while melanin is a pigment responsible for skin color. This is the main difference between the two.

Melanin is one of the main pigments found in human skin and it determines the color of the skin. In humans, melanin exists in three forms: eumelanin, pheomelanin, and neuromelanin.

Melanin in its different forms has multiple biological functions, the most important of which include protecting the skin and eyes from the sun's ultraviolet radiation.