Melatonin News and Research

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Melatonin, also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants, and microbes. In animals, circulating levels of the hormone melatonin vary in a daily cycle, thereby allowing the entrainment of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions.

New insights into how breast milk supports baby’s internal clock

Breast milk is the first 'super food' for many babies. Full of vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds, it helps build the young immune system and is widely considered the optimal source of infant nutrition.

5 Sep 2025

Gut bacteria and insomnia influence each other in small but significant ways, study shows

Scientists used Mendelian randomisation to explore the two-way relationship between gut microbiota and insomnia, analyzing GWAS data from over 386,000 individuals and two major microbiome cohorts. The study found only limited taxa surviving strict correction, suggesting small but causal links that highlight the gut–brain axis in sleep health.

21 Aug 2025

Seven blood metabolites associated with excessive daytime sleepiness

Mass General Brigham researchers identified seven molecules in the blood linked to excessive daytime sleepiness, including factors related to diet and hormones.

20 Aug 2025

Curcumin activates SIRT3 to protect bone structure in diabetic mice

In a new Scientific Reports study, curcumin protected bone-forming cells from high-glucose damage by activating the SIRT3/FoxO3a/NRF2 antioxidant pathway and restoring mitochondrial health. In diabetic mice, curcumin improved bone density and oxidative balance, highlighting its potential in osteoporosis prevention.

13 Aug 2025

Polyphenols and exercise show promise in fighting gliomas

A new review in Food Science & Nutrition highlights how combining dietary polyphenols with structured exercise can enhance brain function, regulate epigenetics, and support glioma management. The authors outline mechanisms, patient-centered strategies, and research gaps for turning this synergy into clinical practice.

12 Aug 2025

Gender gaps in Mediterranean eating and living

Gender differences in Mediterranean diet adherence impact health outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.

8 Aug 2025

How too much screen time affects kids’ heart health and what can reduce the risk

A large Danish cohort study found that higher screen time in childhood and adolescence is linked to worse cardiometabolic health, with shorter sleep amplifying the risk. Blood metabolomics revealed a signature of high screen time, and in teens, it was tied to higher predicted cardiovascular disease risk.

7 Aug 2025

Breast milk fatty acids help babies sleep longer, study finds

Researchers found that higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in human milk are associated with longer sleep duration in exclusively breastfed two-month-old infants. The strongest effects were observed for daytime (diurnal) sleep, especially with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

5 Aug 2025

Herbal remedies show promise for treating depression

This scoping review analyzes OTC products for depression, uncovering effective treatments and emphasizing the need for further studies on herbal efficacy.

4 Aug 2025

Can probiotics help you sleep better?

A new meta-analysis shows that probiotic supplements can modestly improve sleep quality and reduce depressive symptoms in people with insomnia, with no significant safety concerns. However, effects on total sleep time and sleep efficiency remain uncertain, and evidence strength varies across outcomes.

20 Jul 2025

New review identifies promising and under-researched OTC depression aids

Most people have heard of St John's Wort and omega-3s. But did you know there are a lot more over-the-counter herbal products and supplements out there targeting depression? In our review of clinical trials of these products, we found 64 different over-the-counter (OTC) products that have been evaluated for depression – but with differing levels of evidence for each.

16 Jul 2025

Yoga, Tai Chi, walking and jogging found to improve sleep and ease insomnia

Yoga, Tai Chi, walking and jogging may be the best forms of exercise to improve sleep quality and ease insomnia, suggest the findings of a comparative pooled data analysis published in the online journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.

15 Jul 2025

Melatonin receptor signaling counters sleep fragmentation-mediated infertility in T2DM

This new article publication from Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, discusses how melatonin receptor 1a alleviates sleep fragmentation-aggravated testicular injury in T2DM by suppression of TAB1/TAK1 complex through FGFR1.

12 Jul 2025

Fasting triggers neuroprotective changes that could delay dementia

Intermittent fasting could be a neuroprotective strategy, improving gut-brain axis function and reducing inflammation linked to neurodegenerative diseases.

11 Jul 2025

New analysis shows stopping antidepressants rarely leads to severe symptoms

The largest review of 'gold standard' antidepressant withdrawal studies to date has identified the type and incidence of symptoms experienced by people discontinuing antidepressants, finding most people do not experience severe withdrawal.

10 Jul 2025

Why afternoon sunlight could be keeping your teen awake at night

Bright afternoon and early evening light exposure in adolescents leads to lower melatonin levels and delays circadian rhythms, instead of protecting against evening light effects. Long-term light history, especially morning exposure, may help align adolescent sleep cycles.

2 Jul 2025