Many people take melatonin to promote a healthy night’s sleep. Surprisingly, however, research shows a connection between melatonin and fertility. This article discusses what melatonin is and the connection between melatonin and fertility.
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a natural hormone made by the pineal gland. It helps regulate your circadian rhythm and supports healthy sleep/wake cycles. Melatonin is also an antioxidant that supports your cells’ health.
During the night, your body produces and releases more melatonin than it does during the rest of the day. Artificial light from your computer, tablet, television, or phone can reduce melatonin production in your body. When light disrupts the creation of melatonin, it can warp your body’s internal clock, which may affect your sleep patterns.
Melatonin and Fertility
Research suggests that healthy levels of melatonin may help support fertility and healthy pregnancy for certain women.
How does melatonin do this? In addition to supporting restful sleep, melatonin also displays powerful antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are like guardians within your body – they protect your cells (including your egg cells) and keep them healthy. So, as an antioxidant, melatonin can help support egg quality.
Tips to support healthy melatonin levels
- Get plenty of daylight. Exposure to sunlight during the day can help support healthy circadian rhythms and quality sleep.
- Practice good sleep hygiene. Avoid bright lights and limit television, cell phone, laptop, or other electronic use before bedtime.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider. If you decide to take a melatonin supplement to help support healthy fertility, remember that it may not be appropriate for every woman trying to get pregnant. Low-dose melatonin appears safe and may be beneficial for some women trying to conceive. Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine whether melatonin would be appropriate for you and how much you should take.
- Take your melatonin at the right time. If you choose to take a melatonin supplement, make sure you take it 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
- Prioritize quality and safety. If you’re considering a melatonin supplement, make sure you choose a high-quality product. Look for a product that has been independently tested for content accuracy and purity. Products that are NSF® International or USP certified have gone through this process. Look for the NSF® International or USP seal on the bottle to give yourself extra peace of mind.
Melatonin and inositol: benefits for PCOS
Research suggests that melatonin may help promote healthy menstrual cycles in women with PCOS, and studies also indicate that melatonin and inositol may work together to help support healthy egg quality and fertility in women with PCOS.
In the puzzle of fertility, healthy melatonin levels could be your missing piece. Make sure you take time to wind down in the evening, practice healthy sleep habits, get plenty of sunlight, and discuss with your doctor whether you would benefit from a high-quality melatonin supplement.
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