Related Episodes for Rhonda Patrick on the role of melatonin in viral illness

“A small randomized trial in trained athletes found that 20 milligrams per day for two weeks increased total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase and reduced post-training DNA damage versus placebo; it did not test performance or long-term adaptation.”

“In this brief episode, we learn how restoring our dietary and sleep pattern to one that more closely syncs with those imposed by nature, especially by avoiding eating within 2-3 hours before bed and onset of melatonin production, may improve our health and potentially prolong our healthspan.”

“Some people with primary sleeping disorders use melatonin to help them fall asleep. While some research indicates that melatonin helps with sleep latency — or the ability to fall asleep — it may not support a person's ability to stay asleep.”

“A 2025 meta-analysis found improved quality of life, no clear overall change in ejection fraction, and a borderline improvement in New York Heart Association functional class across a small set of trials.”

“Controlled studies have found higher overnight glucose after an identical dinner eaten at 10 PM instead of 6 PM and a larger glucose response when food intake occurs close to habitual bedtime during elevated endogenous melatonin.”

“From THC, CBD, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine to melatonin, magnesium, glycine, and calming botanicals, these compounds can either support restorative sleep or subtly hijack it, changing REM, deep sleep, and circadian timing in ways we often do not feel until the next day.”

“Circadian rhythms play key roles in metabolic health and ultimately influence body weight, performance, and susceptibility to diseases like diabetes and cancer. Aligning food intake with circadian rhythms can improve many aspects of metabolic health.”

“Regulating the amount of light in our environment is crucial for a good night's sleep and a good mood the next day. Habits such as using blue light-emitting electronics close to bedtime can reduce melatonin production by as much as 20 percent, impairing sleep.”

“Our modern lifestyle – characterized by low light exposure during the day and high light exposure during the evening and nighttime hours – has dramatic effects on circadian rhythms and, ultimately, our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.”

“In a randomized crossover study of 20 healthy young adults, a 10:00 PM dinner produced higher overnight glucose and cortisol and lower fat oxidation than a 6:00 PM dinner. Conventional sleep architecture did not change, so the study supports a metabolic effect rather than proving that late meals cause insomnia.”