The Connection Between Melatonin and Meditation

The Connection Between Melatonin and Meditation Meditation Print The Connection Between Melatonin and Meditation By Cathy Wong Updated on February 03, 2020 JGI / Jamie Grill Blend Images / Getty Images More in Self-Improvement Meditation Happiness Stress Management Spirituality Holistic Health Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All People who meditate regularly sometimes feel that the practice has positive health effects such as improved energy and calmness of mind. But there is also preliminary research that suggests that meditation may boost levels of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep and appears to influence other hormones in the body. What Melatonin Is Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. The philosopher Rene Descartes called this tiny gland the seat of the soul. In the Hindu spiritual tradition, meditation techniques are used to direct energy flow through seven energy centers in the body, or chakras, and selectively activate or suppress their associated glands. The pineal gland corresponds to a chakra located at the top of the head and is believed to influence happiness. Research The connection between melatonin and meditation was first explored in 1995 by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centers Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program. Since melatonin is produced mainly at night, overnight urine samples were collected and tested for 6- sulphatoxymelatonin, a melatonin breakdown product thought to be an accurate reflection of blood melatonin levels. Researchers found that women who meditated had significantly higher levels compared with women who did not. Another study found that meditation before bedtime increased melatonin levels for that night. No increases in blood melatonin levels were noted on nights where participants didnt meditate. This suggests that regular practice of meditation is necessary. Here are two meditation techniques that are based on those used in the research studies. For maximal benefit, try to meditate for twenty minutes to half an hour before you go to sleep using the technique that feels more comfortable for you. Meditation Methods Find a quiet and comfortable place. Sit in a chair or on the floor with your head, neck, and back straight but not stiff. Try to put aside all thoughts of the past and the future and stay in the present.Become aware of your breathing, focusing on the sensation of air moving in and out of your body as you breathe. Feel your belly rise and fall. Notice the air entering your nostrils and leaving your mouth. Pay attention to the way each breath changes and is different.Watch every thought come and go, whether it be a worry, fear, anxiety or hope. When thoughts come up in your mind, dont ignore or suppress them but simply note them, remain calm and use your breathing as an anchor.If you find yourself getting carried away in your thoughts, observe where your mind went off to, without judging, and simply return to your breathing. Remember not to be hard on yourself if this happens.As the time comes to a close, sit for a minute or two, becoming aware of where you are. Get up gradually. Relaxation Response Find a quiet place and sit in a comfortable position. Try to relax your muscles.Choose a word or phrase that has special meaning to you and makes you feel peaceful. Or you can try the words Ham Sah, a Sanskrit mantra meaning I am that.As you breathe in, slowly produce the sound haaam as if you are sinking into a hot bath. As you exhale, slowly produce to sound saah, which should feel like a sigh.Breathe slowly and naturally. Inhale through your nose and pause for a few seconds. Exhale through your mouth, again pausing for a few seconds.Dont worry about how well you are doing and dont feel bad if thoughts or feelings intrude. Simply say to yourself Oh well and return to your repetition.As the time comes to a close, continue to be aware of your breathing but sit quietly. Becoming aware of where you are, slowly open your eyes and get up gradually.