The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry recently published that older adults with poor sleep habits have an altered immune system response to stress that may increase their risk for mental and physical health problems. Stress leads to significantly larger increases in a marker of inflammation in poor sleepers compared to good sleepers; a marker associated with poor health outcomes and death.
Poor sleepers report more depressive symptoms, more loneliness and more global perceived stress relative to good sleepers. As people age, a gradual decline in the immune system occurs, along with an increase in inflammation. Heightened inflammation increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other illnesses, as well as psychiatric problems.
Source: American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, March 2012
We all remember what it was like when we were younger and “slept like a baby”. Unfortunately as we age, physical and mental changes occur that affect our sleep patterns dramatically. About half of all adults over the age of 65 have some sort of sleep disorder. It is not clear if it is a normal part of aging or a result of medications that older people commonly use.
Of course, as mentioned above, stress and worry contribute to our inability to get a good night sleep.
Many of you know the power of Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. The neurotransmitter tryptophan is a precursor. It is a superior antioxidant that also helps restore sleeping patterns.
The NIH (National Institute of Health) has found that generally, administering 0.5 to 50 mg of Melatonin can help an individual fall asleep. Some studies suggest sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) is reduced when Melatonin is taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. This is true for adults over 18.
Low levels of Melatonin in humans have been associated with depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, some seizure disorders, and other conditions.
Fortunately, Melatonin supplements can safely and effectively restore balance to the body’s circadian rhythm of this important hormone—helping achieve a restful night’s sleep and keeping your biological clock ticking throughout a long, healthy life span.
Melatonin is a powerful and versatile antioxidant produced within the body. Melatonin protects both lipids and proteins against damage, and can scavenge some of the most dangerous free radicals in the body—including hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide.
Unlike other antioxidants, Melatonin easily diffuses into all cells, and even crosses the blood-brain barrier to protect the delicate brain.
Unfortunately, levels of naturally produced Melatonin decline with advancing age, leaving older adults with limited antioxidant protection against conditions associated with oxidative stress.
If you are experiencing sleep issues as a result of getting older, too much stress, or both, perhaps you should try our Melatonin formulas. Let’s Talk Health’s regular Melatonin comes as a capsule with 3 mg. for people that are experiencing moderate sleep issues.
We also have Super Melatonin for individuals that are experiencing a more difficult time sleeping. Super Melatonin is a liquid that contains 50 mg liquid per dropper.
Super Melatonin was designed for the person who has had this higher dosage suggested by their doctor because of special circumstances or for the convenience of varying the dosage (1 drop = 3 mg).
Carol from Indiana writes:
“I am sleeping much better, wake up more refreshed since I started using the Melatonin.”
William from Idaho writes:
“I take it for its antioxidant value and it also helps me to get a good night’s sleep.”
Nectaria from Greece writes:
“Incredible product! My mum’s BP is back to normal,her eyesight has improved – she was starting to get cataract – her gums don’t bleed any more and God knows what other good is doing to her without knowing it yet. And she hasn’t finished the 1st bottle yet! She just loves it!!!”
