Melatonin Deficiency Test

The test for melatonin deficiency assesses two major causes for insomnia: imbalances in melatonin, and cortisol. If you are struggling with insomnia or have difficulty sleeping, make an appointment with one of the team to have a Melatonin Deficiency Test and let us help you get back on track to have a restful night's sleep.

Test For Melatonin Deficiency

The Melatonin Deficiency Test assesses two major causes for insomnia: imbalances in melatonin, and cortisol. Melatonin is a peptide hormone produced by the pineal gland which helps to control normal sleep patterns. Deficiencies of this hormone can lead to insomnia; however melatonin supplementation can effectively treat this problem if diagnosed correctly.

Melatonin Deficiency: A Major Cause Of Insomnia and Sleep Problems

Imbalances in the diurnal pattern of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol can also lead to sleep disturbances. It is produced by the adrenal glands and is often referred to as the “stress hormone”. This test profile is a simple salivary test that measures melatonin and cortisol between 12-2am. This specimen type has the advantage that samples can be easily collected at this optimal time for testing these hormones, in the privacy of the patient’s home.

woman in bed rubbing her temples used on a page about a test for melatonin deficiency

Symptoms and Conditions Associated with Melatonin Deficiency

Age Related Macular Degeneration & Cataracts
High Blood Pressure
Alzheimer’s Disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Anxiety
Jetlag
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Autism
Male Pattern Balding
Cancer (e.g. breast, prostate, brain)
Perimenopause

Cardiovascular Disease
Shift Work
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Sleep Disturbances
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
Tinnitus
Depression
Wrinkles
Headaches

Insomnia: How Is It Defined?

Insomnia is defined as a repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, duration, and/or quality of sleep. This occurs despite adequate opportunity and time for sleep, and results in daytime impairment. Mild (transient or short-term) insomnia is known to affect between 30-50% of the general population, whilst chronic insomnia has a prevalence of 9-15%. This disorder affects energy levels, memory, concentration and problem solving skills. In addition, it has been linked to learning disabilities in children. Sleeplessness not only affects the individual but also produces social stress, lowered employee productivity and higher number of accidents. Therefore it is vital that the cause and treatment of insomnia is adequately addressed.

Melatonin: The Anti-aging, Hormone of Sleep

Melatonin is a peptide hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan. It regulates the body’s circadian rhythms helping to control normal sleep patterns. It is highest in the body at night and lowest during the day. The synthesis of this hormone in humans is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light. Melatonin supplementation has been used for assisting sleep in insomniacs, shift-workers and those dealing with jetlag. In addition, conditions that are associated with poor sleep, such as Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), irritable bowel syndrome and depression, are also assisted by melatonin use. Results show that melatonin decreases the time to get to sleep (lag-phase), whilst increasing the amount of time a person stays asleep.

Cortisol: The Hormone of Stress

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone which is essential for life. It is produced by the adrenal glands and is often referred to as the “stress hormone”, since it is raised by stress and involved in the body’s response to it. Cortisol is involved in many functions of the body including central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, blood sugar regulation, and immune system modulation. When deficiencies or excess of this steroid hormone occur many symptoms and health conditions are experienced. Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease are the most well-known conditions associated with cortisol deficiency and excess respectively. Although they are life threatening diseases, they are rare. More mild adrenal imbalances however may be more common and give rise to many health complaints. For more information see the adrenal function test page.

FAQs About Melatonin Deficiency

What hormones might be causing insomnia and sleep issues?

Several hormones play a key role in regulating sleep. Melatonin is the primary hormone responsible for controlling your sleep-wake cycle, while cortisol influences alertness and stress levels. Imbalances in cortisol, particularly elevated levels at night, can disrupt sleep. Other hormones such as progesterone, oestrogen and thyroid hormones can also affect sleep quality, particularly during periods of hormonal change.

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate your circadian rhythm, also known as your internal body clock. It is released in response to darkness and signals to your body that it is time to sleep. Healthy melatonin production supports falling asleep, staying asleep and achieving restorative sleep.

What are the signs of melatonin deficiency?

Common signs of melatonin deficiency include difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, early waking, and feeling unrefreshed in the morning. Other symptoms may include fatigue, low mood, poor concentration and disrupted sleep patterns, especially in people who experience shift work or frequent travel.

What causes melatonin deficiency?

Melatonin deficiency can be influenced by a range of lifestyle and physiological factors. Exposure to artificial light at night, particularly from screens, can suppress melatonin production. Chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns, ageing, and certain medications can also affect melatonin levels. Hormonal imbalances and poor sleep hygiene may further contribute to reduced production.

Can you test melatonin levels?

Yes, melatonin levels can be assessed through specialised testing, often using saliva or urine samples collected at specific times of the day. This allows practitioners to evaluate your natural melatonin rhythm and identify any imbalances that may be contributing to sleep disturbances.

How do you fix melatonin deficiency?

Addressing melatonin deficiency typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and targeted support. Improving sleep hygiene, reducing exposure to blue light in the evening, maintaining consistent sleep and wake times, and managing stress are key steps. In some cases, nutritional support, herbal medicine or practitioner-guided supplementation may be recommended to help restore healthy melatonin levels and improve sleep quality.

How do I get tested for melatonin deficiency?

At Perpetual Wellbeing, our experienced practitioners can help you get to the bottom of your sleep disturbances. We can arrange for you to have a simple salivary test to measure melatonin and cortisol at home during the optimal collection period. The test will be sent to a laboratory for analysis and, once the results are ready, your practitioner will review the findings with you and help create a tailored plan to address your insomnia.

MELATONIN DEFICIENCY TEST PRICING

If you are struggling with insomnia or have difficulty sleeping, make an appointment with one of the team to have a Melatonin Deficiency Test and let us help you get back on track to have a restful night's sleep.

Book an online consultation or a face to face appointment at our Brisbane or Graceville clinics. With online consultations available for patients anywhere in Australia including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, we can help you get to the bottom of your insomnia.

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What We Can Help With

The team at Perpetual Wellbeing support the health and wellbeing of the whole family. We promote a more scientifically-based approach to natural healthcare, to help detect the root cause of health issues and treat patients for long-term good health.