Sleep And Your Hormones

How do falling hormone levels affect my sleep?

Hormones are chemical messengers released into the bloodstream that exert chemical effects on cell receptors that affect our body’s temperature control, metabolism, sleep, growth, aging, and immune function.

As we age, both men and women experience a decline in our levels of hormone production. One of these important hormones for sleep is the hormone melatonin. Melatonin’s primary function is the regulation of our circadian rhythm (our body’s internal clock). It is also extremely important for maintaining stage 4 sleep which is our deepest sleep. Without our deep sleep, we do not wake up feeling rested, even though we may have had many hours of sleep.

Another remarkable benefit to maintaining melatonin levels is its effect on the immune system. Our immune system is stimulated in deep sleep, and by maintaining the melatonin levels, our immune system is better able to protect us from disease. This is one reason that melatonin has been used in the fight against COVID.

Melatonin has also been praised as a powerful antioxidant and a scavenger of free radicals. Fighting free radicals is an important component in the protection against cancer.

As we age, the receptors on the cells that are responsive to melatonin start to decline in their sensitivity. By using a specially compounded melatonin that lasts throughout the night we are able to create a dose specific to your unique needs.

Another hormone vital for sleep is progesterone. As women go through menopause, they have declining levels of progesterone which leads to significant issues with insomnia. Progesterone is also important for boosting mood and an overall sense of well-being.

There are many enzymes that also are important in sleep promotion that decline with age. A major one that many of us are deficient in is magnesium. Taking magnesium in the evenings is very helpful for maintaining restful sleep.

Replenishment of these hormones using biologically identical hormones (which mimic the shape and function of our own endogenous hormones) and nutrients to optimal levels has proven to be beneficial in restoring a good quality night’s sleep.