Melatonin’s Protective Effect Against COVID-19 – What It Means for Children and Pregnant Women
Image by August de Richelieu
As COVID-19 started spreading across the globe, we saw the at-risk populations start to expand. First, we learned it imposed serious danger to elderly populations. Now, we know it does the same for those with chronic inflammatory conditions(1).
Naturally, we started to worry about other potentially vulnerable populations – namely, children and pregnant women. Interestingly, we’ve learned of protective factors at play that could explain the relatively low incidence of severe cases in these two groups.
Given its correlation with inflammation, it’s easy to see why children would be less impacted. But why pregnant women, too?
Melatonin.
What’s Melatonin?
Melatonin is a neurotransmitter and hormone that is made and released by the pineal gland in your brain to help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Levels start to rise as the sun goes down, peak while you’re asleep (to keep you asleep), and wane as morning approaches.
Melatonin is also the best natural, endogenous antioxidant that’s lost with age(2).
Interestingly, the two groups of people who have the highest basal plasma levels of melatonin are – you guessed it – children and pregnant women. The further the mother is along in her pregnancy, the higher her levels of melatonin. Maternal melatonin even crosses the placenta and enters fetal circulation, providing information that will influence the baby’s circadian rhythm. (2,3,4)
What does melatonin have to do with COVID-19?
First, viral respiratory infections are associated with free radical production and resultant oxidative stress. Melatonin, with its superior antioxidant properties, binds up to 10 free radicals per molecule. Other antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, bind only one(2).
Second, researchers are finding that COVID-19 causes severe pathology through its two virulence factors. Virulence factors are what allow the virus to get into our cells, replicate, and take over. They’re toxic to our cells, and once inside, stimulate inflammasomes – a group of inflammatory proteins. This particular inflammasome in COVID-19 is causing uncontrolled inflammation, seen most often in the lungs.
Melatonin shuts down this inflammasome(2,5).
Having robust levels of melatonin could have a preventative effect on developing the most severe symptoms associated with the virus and reduce symptom severity once contracted. Conversely, having inadequate levels of melatonin may put you at higher risk.
While age certainly plays a role in your melatonin level, it’s not the only factor.
Factors that Influence Melatonin Levels
As mentioned before, melatonin is produced and secreted by the pineal gland as night approaches so we can fall asleep. The pineal gland gets its cues about what time of day it is through our eyes’ exposure to light – particularly blue light. Natural blue light is highest during the daytime hours and peak sunlight when we want to be awake and alert. Blue light is lowest in the evening, which is when our melatonin kicks in and helps us grow sleepier as we head to bed.
However, our overexposure to blue light (from our electronic devices) blunts melatonin’s release and lowers our circulating levels as a result. If your eyes are staring at a TV, phone, or computer screen, they’re being exposed to blue light, thus lowering melatonin production. If you do this every night when melatonin should be released, your levels will continue to fall over time.
Melatonin production is significantly impaired in those with chronic insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation. Long-term sleep deprivation also significantly weakens the immune system and leads to oxidative stress – an undesirable combination amidst a global pandemic(2).
If you can’t make any lifestyle changes in response to this pandemic, I urge you to just get a good night’s sleep. Prioritizing sleep is one of the most anti-inflammatory practices you can incorporate into your life. It’s free, easy, and there’s truly nothing more enjoyable.
Should you take melatonin?
Endogenous melatonin (what we make naturally in our bodies) is infinitely more potent and powerful than what’s found in a supplement. However, many people who suffer from sleep disturbances find relief from their insomnia by regulating their circadian rhythms with the help of low-dose melatonin. It’s not safe for everyone, though, so make sure you consult with a qualified health practitioner before taking it.
If you have chronic sleep issues or think you’re at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19, get in touch. Functional medicine and homeopathy offer individualized guidance for natural ways to shore you up and get you on the right track.
For tips on how to reset your circadian rhythm for better sleep, click on this article. I provide you with 5 easy, natural ways to do so.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post in no way substitutes for medical advice or coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and is purely for informational purposes only. Please always consult with your physician and follow the directives of public health officials.