Saliva Lab Trier: Melatonin – more than just a Sleep Hormone

Synthesis of the neurohormone melatonin is extremely important for a healthy sleep rhythm as it helps regulate the circadian rhythm. Melatonin production is inhibited by light and facilitated by darkness. About 2 hours before usual bedtime, the epiphysis begins secreting melatonin. Values rise until maximum hormone concentration is reached between 2:00 and 4:00 am and then sink back to low daytime levels. If melatonin secretion is inhibited, disorders of the circadian rhythm and therefore difficulties falling asleep as well as maintaining sleep may develop, followed by fatigue and irritability. As aging occurs, melatonin concentrations sink naturally. However, caffeine and artificial light (especially from screens) also inhibit melatonin release. Lack of sleep doesn’t only influence the affected persons’ quality of life and ability to perform, but can also result in health-related issues. Besides high blood pressure and chronic headaches, the immune system can also become weakened as Melatonin is an important helper, defending against free radicals and regulating the activity and expression of certain antioxidants.
A saliva analysis provides quick and easy clarity pertaining to the body’s own melatonin concentration, allowing appropriate therapeutic steps to be taken should a hormone deficiency or circadian shift be determined.

Melatonin and DLMO: The initiation of melatonin production is termed “dim light melatonin onset (DLMO)” and describes the point in time, at which circulating melatonin rises above a certain threshold level, in comparison to low daytime levels (Figure 1). The identification of DLMO is considered the gold standard to determine melatonin concentration and discover disturbances of the circadian rhythm. Sample collection begins 3 to 4 hours before usual bedtime (which should be determined using a diary), is comprised of several saliva samples collected in 30 or 60 minute intervals and is concluded 2 hours after usual bedtime (Figure 3). Using DLMO, sleep phase disorders (advanced or delayed phase, Figure 2) can be easily identified, so that the optimal time for the application of therapeutic approaches can be determined.
The following figures were provided by Salimetrics, USA. If you are interested in further information or scientific literature, please contact our lab management.