The magic of Melatonin and Serotonin ☀️

We are truly in the thick of Winter here in Victoria, it's been freezing 🥶 and definitely not as appealing to go outside for those walks! But let me tell you about the fascinating world of melatonin and serotonin, and why getting your eyeballs out into the sun during winter is still super important! ☀️

You've probably heard about melatonin being prescribed to help people drift off to dreamland, as it's often referred to as the "Sleep hormone." But did you know that there's more to managing our circadian rhythm than just relying on melatonin alone?

Let's take a closer look. Melatonin, our sleepy superhero, works hand in hand with serotonin, its trusty sidekick. Serotonin is the precursor to melatonin, and guess what? We can boost our serotonin levels through soaking up natural full spectrum sunlight (oh, and don't forget about exercise! It's another serotonin-boosting activity).

So, even on cloudy days or during winter,  exposing our eyeballs to that precious natural light is super beneficial. If possible, position yourself near a window during the day for the sunlight benefits too. 

Now, when evening rolls around, it's time to create the perfect environment for melatonin release. We want our lighting to be as low as possible at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Yes, that means taming the glow of our screens too. 📱💡 Put your devices and computers on low blue light mode, switch to cozy lamps, and embrace the soothing ambiance of gentle lighting. By doing so, we can welcome the wonderful benefits of melatonin and enjoy a restful sleep. 🌙😴

Did you know that melatonin is not just a sleep superhero but also an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuro-regenerative wonder? ✨ It does it all! During its peak hours from 2-4 a.m., melatonin works its magic to restore, repair, and rejuvenate our bodies and minds. It's like a nightly spa session for our whole being. How cool is that? 😄

Now, another secret ingredient in to explore here is the master at the top of this cascade - tryptophan. This mighty amino acid is the precursor to serotonin, which in turn, leads to melatonin production. You following me here?! So to boost your tryptophan levels naturally, consider incorporating foods like beef, fish, soybeans, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other delicious options into your diet. Dairy is also an option, although I'm not a huge fan of dairy. 🥩🐟🥛

By embracing the power of tryptophan, serotonin, and melatonin, we can harmonise our circadian rhythm, achieve a state of balance, and indulge in beautiful, rejuvenating sleep. 💤

Wishing you many nights filled with peaceful dreams and mornings full of energy and vitality!