How Does Melatonin Affect Your Sleeping Cycles?

One of the reasons individuals that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder is because their bodies produce more melatonin than the normal amount.  The production of melatonin in the brain is a response to the lack of sunlight and it is part of the reason why individuals that suffer from SAD are often tired and sleep more than normal.

Melatonin Production

Although melatonin supplements can be purchased, most people’s bodies naturally produce this hormone.  Those that suffer from SAD will actually experience an increased amount of melatonin production.  The levels of melatonin typically begin to rise mid to late evening.  However, those that suffer from SAD sometimes experience an earlier rise in their melatonin levels because of the lack of light.

Melatonin Triggers The Brain

When the levels of melatonin begin to rise in your body, it triggers a message to your brain telling your body that it is time to go to sleep.  This is part of your body’s internal clock.  As you can see, it is easy for those suffering from SAD to experiencing trouble with their sleeping cycles because of melatonin.  Their body’s internal clock will be thrown off and feel the need to sleep earlier than normal.  This can then lead to other SAD symptoms.