The Sleep Aid That's Secretly Protecting Your Brain
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 28, 2024
You might have reached for melatonin to help you sleep before.
But did you know that while you’re dreaming, this humble hormone could be working overtime to protect your brain?
A groundbreaking new study suggests that melatonin isn’t just a sleep aid it’s also a powerful brain defender.
And HOW it does it, is kind of wild.
Let’s take a look…
Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences uncovered an exciting new benefit of melatonin… protecting brain cells from damage.
Melatonin is naturally produced by your body’s pineal gland. The hormone is crucial for regulating your sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. As darkness falls, your body ramps up melatonin production, signaling it’s time to wind down and sleep.
Now, here’s where things get really interesting…
The researchers found that melatonin doesn’t just help you drift off to dreamland. The hormone also works behind the scenes to reduce age-related oxidative brain damage by shielding mitochondria—the powerhouses of your cells.
But that’s not all. This sleep-inducing superhero can also tamp down inflammation in your brain.
There is just a small twist. You can’t just pop a melatonin gummy when you’re having trouble sleeping and reap these brain-boosting benefits.
The researchers suggest that long-term, consistent use is key. In other words, you need to start taking melatonin BEFORE the damage in your brain begins.
So, if you’ve ever considered taking melatonin for sleep, now might be the perfect time to check in with your doctor and start. You could set yourself up for better sleep tonight and a healthier brain tomorrow.
Here are a few tips to help you incorporate melatonin into your routine:
- Start with a low dose (0.5-1mg) and gradually increase if needed.
- Take melatonin about 30 minutes before your intended bedtime.
- Create a consistent sleep schedule to maximize melatonin’s effects.
- Limit exposure to blue light from screens in the evening, as this can interfere with your body’s natural melatonin production.
If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep and protect your brain health, melatonin might be the two-for-one deal you never even knew you needed.
Sweet dreams, indeed.
P.S. Shortchanging sleep can trigger THIS disease.
Source:
Bocheva, G.; Bakalov, D.; Iliev, P.; Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova, R. The Vital Role of Melatonin and Its Metabolites in the Neuroprotection and Retardation of Brain Aging. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 5122.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...
Weird Nightmare Trigger Has an Easy Fix
To all our veterans – we pause today to express our profound gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your unwavering commitment to defending our nation’s values represents the very best of America. Nightmares happen during REM sleep, which usually occurs halfway through the night. They’re typically brief, but they can make it difficult to fall...