How Cortisol and Melatonin Levels Affect Your Sleep Quality

Did you know the body secretes over 50 different hormones? Specific hormones, like cortisol and melatonin, affect your body in specific ways that affect your ability to sleep.

The primary role of melatonin is to regulate your sleep cycle. Cortisol (your stress hormone) curbs functions deemed non-essential in a "flight-or-fight" situation. Cortisol and melatonin are in an inverse relationship. If cortisol is high, melatonin is low and visa-versa.

Our ancestors would wake up with the sun and go to bed at sunset. They had nothing to interrupt their daily sleep cycle like we do today. Advancements like the light bulb and electronics simulate the sun, suppress your melatonin levels and tell your body to stay awake.

Any stressor can raise your cortisol levels. Cortisol levels can rise based on your diet, environmental and chemical toxins, chronic infections and allergies, and emotional and psychological stress.

There are so many options for balancing out your melatonin and cortisol levels. If you are having trouble sleeping and suspect it may be related to your hormones, check out my 5-Day Sleep Better NOW challenge, where I will help you naturally fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed.