As we get older our body is less able to produce Melatonin and Vitamin D3.

Naturally we produce both Melatonin and Vitamin D3 as a result of GETTING OUTSIDE into bright sunlight, ideally at midday. 

The Bright Light resets our circadian rhythm and enhances evening and melatonin secretion,  while the UVB in sunlight creates Vitamin D3 in our skin.

People who live in nursing or care homes may not be getting sufficient outdoor bright light exposure to produce either and should have 25(OH)D vitamin D levels checked and raised to at least 100nmol/l = 40ng/ml preferably higher. 

A years supply of Vitamin D3 5000iu is available for less than $6.99 or less than £5 UK so cost should not be a problem. Time release Melatonin is equally cheap.  

The reason Melatonin is PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT for older people is that it reduces urine volume AND relaxes the bladder wall muscles so increasing volume. So with less urine AND increased capacity the need for a pee in the night or an unfortunate accident is reduced. I discovered this because I have to self-catheterize to pee. So having to fiddle about inserting pipes in the middle of the night is a nuisance I now don't have to worry about. Any light at night prevents melatonin secretion so if visits to the loo at night are necessary, battery operated stick on lights that sense movement at foot not eye level will help light the route to the loo without stopping melatonin production. 

Doreen mentioned urinary tract infections as a problem and that is why it's important for us to keep IMMUNE FUNCTION as high as possible as we age. Hence the requirement for adequate production of both VITAMIN D3 and MELATONIN as both these are critical for immune function. Because self catheterization increases risk of UTI I became antibiotic resistant and so had to learn how to manage UTI without antibiotics. Which is why I am now able to remaing UTI free simply through diet and supplement use. 

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

7/17/12 7:21am

Thanks so much for your input, Ted. Many older people have urinary issues and at this time most doctors are encouraging people to increase their vitamin D3 intake. If this helps maintain bladder health, that is fantastic news. Some doctors suggest melatonin for sleep issues, but this is the first I've heard about it relaxing the bladder. People should check with their physician to see if this is safe for them, but chances are pretty good it will be. 

Take care,

Carol