[283] - Protect your melatonin like your life depends on it, because it does

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In this episode, I explore why melatonin is much more than a “sleep hormone.” It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects your body from free radicals and even cancer—and as shift workers, many of us don’t realise how much late-night screen use interferes with this vital process.

Blue light from phones, tablets, and TVs doesn’t just delay your sleep by a few minutes—it can actually shift your circadian rhythm by up to 90 minutes. And even if you fall asleep quickly, that’s not proof you’re unaffected—it’s simply exhaustion taking over. The truth is, looking at a phone just inches from your face before bed signals to your brain that it’s daytime, shutting down melatonin production when you need it most.

I also share simple strategies to protect melatonin, like using red or orange lighting after dark, avoiding screens before bed, and choosing products that support better sleep. Protecting this hormone means protecting your health, energy, and resilience as a shift worker.

👉 Visit ahealthyshift.com
for resources, blue-light-free product recommendations, and extra sleep support.

Support the show

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Roger Sutherland is Australia's Night Shift & Sleep Specialist and the founder of A Healthy Shift.

After more than 40 years working rotating shifts with Victoria Police, Roger now helps organisations reduce fatigue risk, improve staff wellbeing and build healthier, safer and higher-performing 24/7 workplaces through evidence-based education, circadian biology and the Shift Work Champions™ Framework.

Shift Work Champions™: https://join.ahealthyshift.com/shift-work-capability

Website: https://ahealthyshift.com.au

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-sutherland

Instagram: @a_healthy_shift

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Disclaimer: Roger Sutherland is not a doctor or a medical professional.  Always consult a physician before implementing any strategies mentioned in this podcast. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Roger Sutherland will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of the information contained in this podcast, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness, or death.

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