Sleep is only a way to recharge – this is necessary for our body repair and recovery. Researchers have now discovered that the quality and time of sleep can affect more how fresh we feel; This can affect our DNA. A recent study in Canadian suggests that a hormone melatonin, responsible for regulating sleep, may help repair some DNA damage associated with poor sleep years.

Melatonin’s role in sleep and DNA repair

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to the darkness. This indicates the body to air down and prepare for sleep. Beyond its role in sleep regulation, melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between harmful molecules called free radicals and antioxidants, causing cell damage – including DNA damage.

This type of DNA damage has been linked to serious health issues including cancer. Those who work in the night shifts are particularly at risk because they experience irregular sleep patterns and reduce melatonin production due to prolonged contact of artificial light. Their disrupted sleep cycles may reduce the ability to cure oxidative DNA damage, increasing the chances of development of long -term health problems.

What was the study found

Canadian studies consisted of 40 night-shift workers who were either given 3mg melatonin supplement or a placebo before their day’s sleep. Researchers analyzed the samples of their urine, which was to measure the level of a marker called 8-hydroxy-2′-deeoxyguanosine (8-OH-DG). This marker DNA indicates repair activity – high levels suggest that the body is successfully removing damaged DNA.

The results showed that the urine 8-OH-DG levels had increased by 80% in the participants who take melatonin. This suggests that melatonin can increase the body’s capacity to repair DNA damage when the sleep schedule is interrupted. However, this effect was seen only during the day’s sleep, not during the night shift when melatonin levels naturally fall.

Can Melatonin damage reverse DNA?

While some headlines claim that melatonin “reverse DNA damage,” it is important to clarify what it really means. The study does not suggest that melatonin ends the years of accumulated damage. Instead, it indicates that melatonin can promote the body’s natural DNA repair mechanism, possibly reduce further damage.

For people with long-term sleep disruptions-can help improve the body’s ability to repair cells from-wheel-shift work, insomnia, or lifestyle habits. However, the study was small and focused only on night-shift workers, so large trials require to determine whether there are similar benefits for other groups of melatonin.

What does it mean to you

This research shows how sleep and overall health are closely connected. Melatonin supplements are already widely used to regulate the sleep cycle and combat jet lags. This study shows that they may have additional benefits in maintaining DNA health. However, melatonin is not a cure. It should be seen as a tool to support the body’s natural repair process, not as a way to undo all the effects of chronic sleep deficiency.

Melatonin can be recommended for repairing DNA in normal population before more comprehensive research is required. Meanwhile, it is necessary to maintain good sleep hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and regular exercise to protect cells from damage.

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