To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of abnormal melatonin levels we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow abnormal melatonin levels to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind abnormal melatonin levels consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Alcohol Consequences | 90% | Confirm |
Drug Side-Effects | 19% | Unlikely |
Stress | 12% | Unlikely |
Overtraining | 5% | Ruled out |
Cigarette Smoke Damage | 1% | Ruled out |
Premature Aging | 1% | Ruled out |
Caffeine Intoxication | 1% | Ruled out |
Lack Of Sleep | 0% | Ruled out |
What are your melatonin levels when you are not using supplemental melatonin?
Possible responses:
→ Don't know→ Very low → Low → Normal → Elevated |
Certain drugs, for example MAO inhibitors, Fluvoxamine and Desipramine, can increase melatonin levels. Some drugs, including NSAIDs, beta-blockers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications, steroids, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers, can deplete melatonin levels.
One of the things that impair melatonin production is alcohol.
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine deplete melatonin levels.
Melatonin declines rapidly as we age, with levels generally minimal by age 70.
Chronic stress causes the production of too much cortisol, which in turn lowers melatonin.
Exercise impairs the production of melatonin and exercising in the evening decreases melatonin for up to 3 hours afterwards.