Study shows melatonin, commonly used to improve sleep, can aggravate bowel inflammation

An article published in the journal Microorganisms shows that melatonin, despite its antioxidant effects and role in regulating sleep cycles, can worsen inflammation of the intestine and impair the action of gut microbiota. This community of bacteria and other microbes is important to health, helping control digestion and benefiting the immune system. An imbalance of unhealthy and healthy microbes in the intestines may contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, above-normal cholesterol and other disorders.