Boost your melatonin naturally

Melatonin is a circulating neurohormone secreted predominantly by the pineal gland at night. It regulates our circadian rhythm which helps us fall and stay asleep.

Levels naturally rise in the evening, signaling the body that it's time to go to sleep and decrease in the morning, signaling the body to wake up.

The benefits of Melatonin

• Antioxidant

• Anti-inflammatory

• Immune enhancer

• Anti-cancer

• Protects against cardiovascular disease

• Supports blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity

• Supports metabolism and healthy weight management

• Neuroprotective

• Anti-aging

How to boost your Melatonin naturally

• Minimise blue light exposure in the evenings, especially before bed. Switch off devices and all lighting in the house. Instead opt for orange and red lights, lamps or candles

• Go outside as soon as you wake up to enjoy the sunshine on your skin and in your eyes. This is best done when the sun is rising.

• Eat a protein-rich diet. Melatonin synthesis depends upon the availability of its precursor, tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid, found in all protein rich foods

• Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day

• Implement a calming bedtime routine where you can wind down. This can include reading, journalling, spending quality time with your loved one/s, stretching, putting your legs up the wall or meditating. What ever aligns for you to feel calm and ready for sleep.

• Wear blue light blocking glasses in the afternoon and evening or if you spend a lot of time in artificial lighting

Our diet and lifestyle choices will either boost or minimise our melatonin production and ultimately our quality of sleep. And sleep is one of the most important factors when it comes to optimal health - it regulates our mood, cravings, energy, detoxification, cell repair, reproductive health... the list goes on.

Try implementing some of these habits and see how your health changes for the better.