About Melatonin, Lemon Balm, Valerian, and Lavender
About Melatonin
Melatonin is an endogenous hormone primarily formed from serotonin (the happiness hormone), which in turn originates from L-tryptophan (an amino acid). Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland (epiphysis) of the brain. It plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and impacts sleep quality. Therefore, it is often referred to as the sleep hormone. Melatonin production in the body is regulated by light, which can lead to seasonal mood fluctuations when days are shorter in winter. Typically, the body's melatonin levels should rise in the evening to make us tired and decrease in the morning to prepare us for the day. This balance can be disturbed for various reasons, causing many people to struggle with falling asleep and/or staying asleep. In such cases, a low dose of melatonin supplementation can be helpful. Doctors often advise against strong prescription sleeping pills, recommending natural remedies that support the sleep hormone's cycle instead. The body's melatonin level peaks in childhood and adolescence, then declines.
Furthermore, melatonin is a relatively strong antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress, thereby reducing or preventing cell damage in the body (especially in the mitochondria). In the USA, melatonin has long been a popular anti-aging substance. The reduced melatonin production in old age can contribute to changes associated with the aging process. Melatonin is also believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen the immune system, thereby improving defenses against infections.
Melatonin is found in small amounts in walnuts, milk, grapes, and vegetable sprouts. For supplementation, dosages between 0.5mg - 5mg are offered, with it being recommended to start with a low dose. THE GOODNIGHT is dosed at 1mg, placing it in a safe consumption range.
Function and Effect
- Regulation of the sleep-wake cycle
- Influence on sleep quality
Symptoms that may indicate melatonin deficiency
- Difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Light sleep with frequent waking
- Dreamlessness
- Mood swings
- Migraines
- Heartburn
- Memory impairment
- Faster skin aging
- Depression
- Irregular sleep patterns (e.g., due to shift work) cannot be compensated for independently
About Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a plant species from the mint family (scientific name: Melissa officinalis). Its delicate green leaves, which emit a pleasant lemon scent, earned it its well-known name. The plant proudly holds the title of Medicinal Plant of the Year 1988. In addition to its use as a spice and aromatic plant, it is also known for its calming properties. In natural medicine, it has long been widely used as a medicinal plant, especially for promoting sleep, calming nervousness, or relieving gastrointestinal complaints. It is one of the oldest medicinal plants in Europe. Lemon balm has antispasmodic, calming, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. This medicinal plant is used wherever rhythmic processes are disturbed, such as in heart problems, menstrual discomfort, sleep disorders, restlessness, headaches, depression, and colds.
Sleep promotion: Due to its calming properties, lemon balm is often used in combination with other soothing herbs like valerian to relieve insomnia or difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Calming and stress reduction: Thanks to its calming properties, lemon balm is frequently used for nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The plant promotes relaxation and helps the nervous system calm down.
Digestive problems: Lemon balm can help with mild digestive complaints such as bloating, fullness, and stomach cramps. It can have an antispasmodic effect and promote digestion by stimulating bile production.
Antiviral property: With its antiviral properties, the plant can be used topically for herpes simplex infections (e.g., cold sores). It helps inhibit virus replication and accelerate the healing process.
Relief from headaches: In traditional medicine, lemon balm is also used for tension headaches because it can have a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
Cardiovascular support: There is evidence that lemon balm can slightly lower blood pressure and support the cardiovascular system, thereby relieving stress-related heart complaints.
For THE GOOD NIGHT, we use the extract from lemon balm leaves, thus having a concentrated extract of the desired substance with rich content.
About Valerian:
Valerian (scientific name: Valeriana officinalis) is a plant whose root is known in naturopathy and herbal medicine primarily for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. It is one of the most frequently used medicinal plants for these specific areas. Valerian is considered a gentle, herbal sedative and can relieve nervous tension. Already in antiquity, valerian was known for its calming and healing properties. In the Middle Ages, it was widely used in European herbal medicine and in modern times as a natural tranquilizer. In summary, the medicinal use of this plant has existed for at least 2000 years and still finds numerous applications today.
Medical application of Valerian:
Calming and stress reduction: Valerian is traditionally used for nervousness, restlessness, and stress. It can have a calming effect on the nervous system without being strongly sedating.
Sleep disorders: Valerian is particularly known for its sleep-promoting properties. It can help people suffering from insomnia or difficulty falling asleep by improving sleep without leaving a feeling of grogginess in the morning.
Anxiety and tension: Valerian is also used to relieve anxiety and nervous tension. It naturally promotes a calm and balanced mood.
Muscle relaxation: Valerian is also said to have slightly antispasmodic properties and can help with mild muscular tension and cramps.
Digestive problems: Similar to lemon balm, valerian can be used for gastrointestinal complaints, such as stomach upset, as it can have a calming effect on digestion.
The exact mechanism of action of valerian is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that its ingredients – especially valerenic acid and valepotriates – have a calming effect on the central nervous system. Valerian is thought to influence GABA receptors (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which are responsible for regulating excitation and relaxation in the brain. For THE GOOD NIGHT, we use valerian root extract (the concentrated extract of the substance).
About Lavender:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), a plant from the mint family, has been known for millennia for its medicinal, aromatic, and culinary properties. In the Middle Ages, lavender was widespread and used as a medicinal plant. It served against insomnia, headaches, as a disinfectant, and to calm the mind. Today, lavender is globally renowned for its calming and relaxing properties. It is used in aromatherapy, the cosmetic industry, and medicine. In oil form, it is also used in natural medicine to relieve insect bites and promote wound healing. Lavender has a long history, dating back at least 2500 years. It is one of the most versatile and widespread medicinal and aromatic plants and is highly valued to this day for its calming, antiseptic, and healing properties.
Medical application of Lavender:
Sleep-promoting: Lavender is often used to relieve insomnia. Taking lavender extracts can improve sleep quality and ensure restful sleep.
Stress and anxiety reduction: Lavender is said to have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Digestive aid: Lavender is also traditionally used as a remedy for digestive complaints.
Antiseptic and antimicrobial effect: Lavender oil has strong antiseptic properties that make it useful for cleaning wounds or preventing infections. It is also used as a natural disinfectant for minor skin injuries.
Numerous studies have confirmed the many positive properties of lavender. A document from the University of Freiburg provides the following summary: “Sleep disorders that are not based on an organic, endocrine, or psychiatric cause can be well treated with phytotherapy. The most important phytopharmaceuticals include: Valerian, hops, lavender, lemon balm, passionflower herb, and Rhodiola rosea.” (Prof. Dr. Sigrun Chrubasik, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, 2014, p.2)
For THE GOOD NIGHT, we use lavender plant extract, thus having a concentrated extract of the desired substance with rich content.
This high-quality nutrient complex with its four valuable ingredients: melatonin, lemon balm leaf extract, valerian root extract, and lavender plant extract, is entirely focused on improving the quality of falling and staying asleep.
