Firstly, what is Melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, also known as our circadian rhythm. Think of it like the conductor of an orchestra, directing all the instruments (a.k.a. our bodily functions) to play in harmony.

But how does melatonin work? Well, when it starts to get dark outside, our brains start producing more melatonin. This is because melatonin is closely tied to the natural cycle of daylight and darkness. So, as it gets darker outside, our brains are like, “Hey, time to start winding down and getting ready for sleep!” And that’s exactly what melatonin does. It tells our bodies to start feeling sleepy and to prepare for a good night’s rest.

But what happens when we mess with this natural process? For example, when we stare at our phones or computer screens late into the night? Well, those screens emit blue light, which can actually suppress our bodies’ natural production of melatonin. This is why it’s important to limit screen time before bed if you want to get a good night’s sleep. Sorry, social media addicts.

So, what are some other things that can affect our melatonin levels? Glad you asked. Drinking alcohol can actually disrupt our natural sleep cycle, making it harder for our bodies to produce melatonin. And caffeine? You guessed it. It can also mess with our melatonin production, especially if we consume it later in the day.

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Did you know that melatonin is also a popular supplement? Yup, you can buy melatonin supplements over the counter at pharmacies as melatonin supplements have recently been regulated by the TGA, which means that the dose you’re getting is now accurate. But if you’re thinking about taking melatonin supplements, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor first.

While melatonin can be helpful in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, it can also be a double-edged sword for those who work non-traditional hours, such as flight attendants, doctors, nurses, and other shift workers.

When our bodies are exposed to light, especially blue light, our brains naturally reduce melatonin production, which is what helps us wake up and feel alert. However, if you’re a shift worker who is exposed to light at odd hours, your body’s natural production of melatonin can be disrupted. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep during the day and feeling groggy or irritable during waking hours.

This disruption in melatonin production can have serious consequences for people who work in industries that require alertness and attention to detail, such as flight attendants. In fact, studies have shown that flight attendants who work long hours and cross multiple time zones are at increased risk of sleep disorders and related health problems.

To combat these negative effects, some shift workers have turned to melatonin supplements to help regulate their sleep. However, the accuracy and safety of melatonin supplements requires more research, especially when used regularly over long periods of time.

Another potential issue with melatonin supplements for shift workers is the timing of their use. Taking a melatonin supplement at the wrong time can actually make sleep problems worse. For example, if a flight attendant takes a melatonin supplement during the day to help them sleep when they get off work, it could throw off their natural sleep-wake cycle even more, making it harder to fall asleep at night. 

While melatonin can be helpful in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, it’s important to consider the negative effects that shift work and irregular sleep patterns can have on our bodies’ natural production of this hormone. If you’re a shift worker who is experiencing sleep problems, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before turning to melatonin supplements or other sleep aids.

Melatonin and Anti-Aging & Anti-Cancer

But wait, there’s more! Some people believe that melatonin supplements can actually do more than just help regulate your sleep. They think it can also have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. While there is some evidence to suggest that melatonin may have these benefits, more research is needed before we can say for sure.

The anti-aging properties of melatonin are believed to be due to its antioxidant effects. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can harm cells and contribute to aging. Melatonin has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties, which could help protect cells from damage and slow down the aging process.

In addition to its anti-aging properties, melatonin has also been studied for its potential anti-cancer effects. Some studies have suggested that melatonin may help to prevent the growth of cancer cells. One study found that melatonin was able to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro. Another study found that women who had higher levels of melatonin had a lower risk of breast cancer.

Despite these promising findings, more research is needed before we can say for certain that melatonin has anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. Many of the studies that have been done so far have been small and more research is needed to confirm their findings. Additionally, some studies have found conflicting results, which suggests that the relationship between melatonin and aging and cancer may be complex.

It is also important to note that melatonin supplements can have side effects, including dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Melatonin can also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and antidepressants. As with any supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking melatonin.

In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that melatonin may have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties, more research is needed before we can say for certain. If you are considering taking melatonin supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor first and to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions with other medications.