Some scientists believe melatonin levels may be related to aging since the these levels drop as we age. They believe that is why  older adults have sleep problems.  Melatonin also has strong antioxidant effects. Evidence suggests that it may help strengthen the immune system.

If you are considering using melatonin supplements you should talk to your doctor first. In fact you need to look no further then something as innocuous as vitamin E. Its among the list to avoid before surgery since it would slow the clotting time.

People use melatonin for jet lag and studies suggest that for short periods of time melatonin is more effective than a placebo in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, increasing the number of sleeping hours, and boosting daytime alertness.Heart Disease

Several studies show melatonin has cardioprotective properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research also suggests that melatonin may help lower blood pressure levels and improve cholesterol profiles. More research is needed.

PS beauty sleep is a real thing. If you are not getting your sleep it will affect your appearance.  In fact another supplement based on magnolia flower is extremely popular and so helpful we call it beauty sleep.  Two of our patients told us it helped them get off Ambien ( another long story people have hurt themselves sleep walking on Ambien)

More on that and other beauty supplements here

Also in one of the most underappreciated but favorite book of mine Stopping the Clock by Klatz and Goldman it has a list of over one hundred of the top anti aging scientists in the world and what their vitamin regimens were.  I was astounded that the most common “Supplement:” was melatonin, because of their belief that of its anti aging properties.