Nothing’s worse than a night of restless sleep. You feel lethargic and unproductive the next day. Not to mention, poor sleep causes an increase in cortisol, the catabolic hormone you don’t need more of. This is where melatonin comes in. This impressive compound has earned a good rep as an effective sleep aid. In this edition of Ingredient Spotlight, we’ll take a closer look at melatonin, its effect on sleep, and what 5% Nutrition product you'll find it in.
What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a natural hormone that’s primarily produced by your pineal gland, which is part of your endocrine system. Melatonin is also a popular supplement.(1)
What Does Melatonin Do?
Research suggests that melatonin helps synchronize circadian rhythms, which include our sleep-wake cycle. Your pineal gland secretes high melatonin levels during the night and only small amounts during the day.
Melatonin and Sleep
It’s no secret that sleep problems contribute to a variety of health problems. Lack of sleep affects recovery and productivity. Since melatonin is a hormone that helps you fall asleep, adding a melatonin supplement may help individuals get a good night’s sleep. This is, of course, helpful for people who have sleep problems. But it's also helpful for people who do shift work or who are experiencing jet lag.(2,3)
What Are Circadian Rhythms?
Before we go any further, let's define circadian rhythms. They are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that are experienced over a 24-hour cycle. While light and dark have the biggest influence on circadian rhythms, food intake, stress, physical activity, and temperature are also involved. Most living things have circadian rhythms. In humans, nearly every tissue and organ has its own circadian rhythm, all tuned to the daily cycle of day and night.(4)
Circadian rhythms influence such functions as:
- Sleep Patterns
- Hormone Release
- Appetite and Digestion
- Temperature
Accepted Dose
Melatonin has become a common sleep aid, whether it’s by itself or part of a formula. Doses range from 3 mg up to 10 mg.
What 5% Nutrition Product Contains Melatonin
Currently, only one 5% supplement contains melatonin.
Knocked The F*ck Out
Knocked The F*ck Out is a powerful sleep aid and recovery formula that includes herbs and amino acids. It features 8 mg of melatonin, plus natural ingredients such as GABA, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, 5-HTP, and Tyrosine. This exceptional formula is designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep for a restful night. By supporting quality sleep, Knocked The F*ck Out promotes improved recovery. Along with this innovative sleep aid, try drinking a Shake Time shake or serving of All Day You May near bedtime to promote a positive metabolic environment while you sleep.
Recap
Melatonin is a helpful sleep and recovery compound that should be in the arsenal of any 5%er that has trouble getting consistently good sleep. Combined with the rest of the Knocked The F*ck Out Formula, melatonin can make a difference in your sleep quality, recovery, and productivity. Stop by 5% Nutrition and stock up today!
