Sleep in Darkness to Slow Aging

In the anti-aging realm, melatonin is a hormone that has been hailed for its youthful benefits.

Why we love it

Melatonin is secreted at night by the pineal gland in the brain, the retina, as well as other tissues. It regulates our circadian rhythms; that is, our body’s internal clock. A well-functioning circadian rhythm is extremely important for the proper functioning of almost all biological functions.

I recently had a chat with York University Biology Professor Colin Steel, an expert in circadian rhythms, and he noted that researchers are finding that night-shift workers are experiencing much higher incidences of cancer, very much due to the fact that their internal clocks have been disrupted.

Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant, even more potent than the famous vitamin E. In particular, it protects nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Of several functions, the mitochondria are linked to aging, the immune system, as well as the metabolizing of energy.

As we age, our melatonin levels decrease, and many biological researchers believe that this is one cause of accelerated aging.

How to get it

Melatonin supplements are still not proven to work, but one sure way to prevent your stores from early depletion is to get a good night’s sleep.

It’s especially important to sleep in pitch darkness because the creation of melatonin is inhibited by light, and facilitated by darkness.

Even low light levels can inhibit melatonin production to some extent, so make sure to either turn off the lights, or slip on an eye mask when you’re getting your beauty rest.

Sources:

• York University Professor Colin Steel
• BBC News
• Hardeland R (2005). “Antioxidative protection by melatonin: multiplicity of mechanisms from radical detoxification to radical avoidance”. Endocrine 27 (2): 119–3
• Brainard GC, Hanifin JP, Greeson JM, Byrne B, Glickman G, Gerner E, Rollag (August 15, 2001). “Action spectrum for melatonin regulation in humans: evidence for a novel circadian photoreceptor”. J Neurosci. 15;21 (16): 6405–1
• Dun-Xian Tan, Lucien C. Manchester, Maria P. Terron, Luis J. Flores, Russel J. Reiter (2007). “One molecule, many derivatives: a never-ending interaction of melatonin with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species?”. Journal of Pineal Research 42 (1): 28 – 42
• Elizabeth Somer, Age-Proof Your Body
• Image from Getty Images