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Declining levels of the hormone Melatonin and Aging


Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates the body’s clock. Melatonin which is a derivative of serotonin, is a neurotransmitter that regulates many neuroendocrine functions.  It is most noted for its calming effect and for its ability to induce sleep.  Melatonin levels are low during the day and elevate at night. When the sunlight diminishes and darkness sets in the pineal gland begins releasing melatonin. This release continues, eventually peaking around 2 a.m. (3 a.m. for the elderly), and then steadily declining to minimal levels by morning. The maximum amount of melatonin released in the bloodstream of the elderly is only half of that in young adults, which is why many scientists and health professionals believe that melatonin levels are a good marker of aging and longevity.  Melatonin supports a lot more than normal sleep patterns.   When the timing or intensity of the melatonin peak is disrupted—as in aging, stress, jet lag, working the night shift, or staying up all night—mental and physiological functions are adversely affected.   The ability to think clearly, remember key facts, and make sound decisions can be profoundly hampered by these upsets in the biological clock.5 Abstract

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 It appears that melatonin can be significantly beneficial to the elderly and to the aging process because:

  1. Melatonin was recently discovered to be a potent antioxidant and oxidative stress is believed to be a contributor to aging, as well as to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson diseases.
  2. The amount of melatonin that is secreted by the pineal gland falls gradually over one’s lifetime
  3. Melatonin is naturally produced by the body as a sleep-inducing agent, and its reduced concentrations may result in insomnia and/or sleep disturbances, which are very often associated with advancing age.
  4. Melatonin is a natural immune enhancer, and as we age the immune system seems to work less efficiently.