What factors inhibit natural melatonin production?

Several factors can inhibit your body's natural ability to produce melatonin. Blue light exposure from screens is the first barrier since it's the strongest. Since blue light resembles daylight, it keeps your brain in a state of alertness. Other blockages are sleep habits or late caffeine consumption. The more you understand the blockages, the faster you can return to a healthy sleep-wake cycle.

Circadian disruption due to shift work or jet lag can profoundly affect production. When traveling across time zones, the internal clock is disrupted. A night shift involves being awake when you usually secrete melatonin. Recovery involves strategic light exposure at certain times. Gradual change is more effective than abrupt change.

Hormonal imbalances create complicated relationships. Added cortisol from stress inhibits melatonin. A thyroid imbalance will disrupt production. The drop in levels due to age starts at 40. Lack of Nutrition in B6 or zinc prevents conversion. All of these need to be addressed as underlying issues with medical assistance.

Utilize corrective measures in a systematic approach. Wear blue light blocking specs after sundown. Have a consistent sleep schedule even on weekends. Provide a cool, dark sleep setting. Evaluate progress with sleep tracking. These changes usually prove to be progress within 2-3 weeks, if done consistently.

Read the full article: 10 Natural Sleep Aids That Work