Hormone Health Hub: Expert Insights on Testing, Balance & Better Living — melatonin and insomnia

Melatonin is far more than a sleep hormone. As a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and immune modulator, melatonin plays a critical role in protecting against oxidative stress, suppressing harmful inflammatory pathways, and supporting the body’s defence against viral infection. Melatonin production declines progressively with age — a pattern that mirrors the increased vulnerability to severe illness seen in older adults. This article explores the science behind melatonin’s immune and anti-inflammatory functions, the relationship between melatonin decline and age-related disease risk, how to support melatonin production naturally, and how at-home testing can confirm whether your melatonin levels are adequate.

Most people think of melatonin as a sleep supplement — but this remarkable hormone is produced throughout the body and plays a central role in immune defence, inflammation, pain management, gut health and even cancer protection. Dr. Allison Smith dives deep into the biochemistry of melatonin and explains why getting your levels right matters far beyond a good night’s sleep.