Melatonin is commonly associated with sleep, but evidence suggests that there is much more to this hormone than this single use case. In fact, there are particularly compelling reasons to supplement with melatonin after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an article from Dr. Frank Shallenberger, he outlines a research paper that says “Melatonin has also been found to be effective in combating various bacterial and viral infections…” In particular, the study suggests that “Use of melatonin has been beneficial in treating premature infants suffering from severe respiratory distress syndrome…”

Considering COVID-19 is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, these are potentially valuable nuggets of information published a few years ago.

While antiviral support is of particular importance right now, Dr. Shallenberger’s article highlights 18 more research papers clarifying the 8 non-sleep related reasons for taking high dose melatonin (especially after the age of 40). Outlined are the following benefits of melatonin (beyond sleep):

• Supports cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
• Reduces oxidant stress and inflammation (associated with aging)
• Protects against neurodegeneration (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s)
• Enhances menopause therapy
• Supports against ionizing radiation
• Supports against macular degeneration
• Supports against cancer

If all this seems too good to be true, consider that Dr Shallenberger is no quack. He is the medical director of the Nevada Center of Alternative and Anti-Aging Medicine and each of his assertions is supported by scientific evidence.

In human urine there are many clues to how healthy we are. With melatonin, the urinary metabolite known as 6-sulfatoxymelatonin suggests that by the time you hit age 20, there is already signs of deficiency in melatonin. It decreases steadily with age from age 20 and drops significantly by age 40 – 50.

This is one of the reasons Shallenberger suggests high-dose melatonin in the range of 60 – 180 mg. Consider that most normal capsules comes as 1 – 5 mg (and our DREAM formula has 5 mg). Whether or not you choose to take such a high dose, it is clear that some form of routine melatonin supplementation may be valuable, especially now.

Disclaimer: The original article and inspiration for this piece is entitled “Melatonin Isn’t Just for Sleeping – From Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer to Aging and Macular Degeneration the Research Will Shock You” by Frank Shallenberger. We suggest consulting a medical doctor especially before using higher than recommended doses of any substance.