Melatonin is a critical part of a science-backed bedtime routine.
Integrating melatonin supplementation into your daily routine can help you secure 100% perfect sleep scores on a Whoop sleep tracker.
There is some controversy around melatonin supplementation but many biohackers opt to use it, backed by careful consideration and research.
In this post, we will share melatonin insights, recommendations, and why to consider taking this sleep aid.
Let’s get started!
Top picks:
Melatonin: Life Extension Melatonin
Sleep Tracker: WHOOP
Longevity Melatonin Rationale
Melatonin, commonly known for its role in regulating sleep, is a systemic hormone with profound implications for our overall health.
While it’s widely recognized as a safer alternative to potent sleeping pills, the long-term consequences of supplemental melatonin remain a topic of ongoing research.
This hormone, naturally produced in the body, follows a distinctive curve, rising in response to decreasing light and aiding in the preparation for sleep.
Serotonin-Melatonin Balance
The intricate balance between serotonin and melatonin is crucial for both mental and physical health.
Serotonin, a precursor to melatonin, increases with daylight exposure, suggesting the importance of regular outdoor activities.
This balance is essential; disrupting it through excessive melatonin supplementation without adequate serotonin levels can lead to various health disturbances.
Longevity Melatonin Brand Recommendation
Life Extension’s melatonin can be supplemented at a dosage of 300 mcg.
- Significantly improves sleep scores
- Enhances sleep quality and consistency
- Complements other sleep hygiene practices
According to many sleep experts and users on the Blueprint Reddit, melatonin often comes in too high of a dose, which can have undesirable health effects.
Melatonin Fasting and Calorie Restriction
Melatonin use is particularly interesting in the context of intermittent fasting and calorie restriction.
These practices lead to increased adrenaline and cortisol production, impacting sleep patterns.
Melatonin supplementation, in this case, serves as a tool to counteract these effects and maintain a healthy sleep routine.
Cortisol and Orexin-A
Fasting triggers not just a cortisol increase but also a rise in orexin-A, contributing to heightened daytime energy.
This physiological change, while beneficial for alertness and energy, can interfere with melatonin production and subsequently affect sleep quality.
Melatonin and Anti-Aging
Beyond its role in sleep regulation, melatonin is gaining attention as a potential anti-aging therapy.
The aging process, characterized by mitochondrial and cellular dysfunction, immune impairment, and increased risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, might be positively influenced by melatonin.
Its endogenous nature and safety profile make it a promising candidate for mitigating age-related diseases.
