Melatonin

Articles tagged with "Melatonin".

Melatonin: The Ancient Molecule That Connects All Life on Earth

Tags: Melatonin, Evolution, Antioxidants, Circadian Rhythm

November 26, 2025

Why Do All Living Things From Bacteria to Humans Make Melatonin?

Melatonin is one of the most ancient molecules on Earth, evolving billions of years ago in primitive bacteria as a powerful antioxidant to protect against the toxic effects of oxygen. This universal molecule has been preserved throughout evolution because it serves fundamental protective functions - from neutralizing free radicals in bacterial cells to regulating sleep cycles in modern humans, making it a molecular link that connects all life on our planet.

The Pineal Gland: Your Brain's Master Clock and Melatonin Factory

Tags: Pineal Gland, Melatonin, Circadian Rhythm, Sleep

November 26, 2025

How Does Your Pineal Gland Control Sleep and Seasonal Rhythms?

The pineal gland, a small pea-sized structure in the center of your brain, serves as your body’s master timekeeper by converting serotonin into melatonin in response to darkness. This tiny gland receives light information through a complex neural pathway and secretes melatonin only during dark periods, effectively translating environmental light cycles into hormonal signals that regulate sleep, circadian rhythms, and seasonal physiology.

Melatonin Supplements: Serotonin Contamination and Quality Control Issues

Tags: Melatonin, Supplement Quality, Serotonin, Quality Control, Consumer Safety

October 22, 2025

Are Commercial Melatonin Supplements Actually Pure and Accurately Dosed?

Analysis of commercial melatonin supplements reveals significant quality control problems, with many products containing serotonin contamination and dramatic variations in actual melatonin content compared to labeled amounts. This comprehensive study tested 31 melatonin supplements and found that actual melatonin content ranged from 83% below to 478% above labeled amounts, with the majority of products (71%) containing melatonin levels that differed by more than 10% from the label. Additionally, 26% of products contained serotonin, a potentially dangerous contaminant that could cause serious adverse effects. The findings highlight major quality control issues in the melatonin supplement industry and raise important safety concerns for consumers.

Tart Cherry Juice Improves Sleep Duration and Quality in Older Adults

Tags: Tart Cherry Juice, Natural Sleep Aid, Melatonin, Sleep Duration

October 22, 2025

Can Tart Cherry Juice Help You Sleep Better Naturally?

Yes, research demonstrates that tart cherry juice significantly improves sleep duration and quality in older adults, increasing total sleep time by 84 minutes and improving sleep efficiency from 77% to 84%. The benefits come from tart cherries’ naturally high melatonin content—one of the few food sources that contains meaningful amounts of this sleep hormone. Studies show that drinking 8 ounces of tart cherry juice twice daily (morning and evening) for two weeks produces measurable improvements in sleep onset, duration, and quality, making it an effective natural sleep aid.