What Does Melatonin Do?
5. Melatonin’s Impact on the Immune System
Sleep plays a pivotal part in how a person’s immune system performs. The more an individual sleeps, the more likely it is that he or she will exhibit healthy responses from the immune system. Of course, the opposite is also true. When sleep is consistently disrupted, it can corrupt the immune system and make it easier for an individual to become sick. Studies suggest that an increase in melatonin can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. While helpful for some, people with specific conditions or allergies can experience health issues from this enhanced immune response.
Younger individuals who are already in good health are not likely to see lasting consequences from unbalanced melatonin production. However, the elderly and individuals with specific health conditions might be more susceptible to certain diseases when melatonin levels are low for prolonged periods of time.
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