Stress & melatonin

[djkvan]

How does stress affect melatonin levels? Negatively, I imagine. Also I have had repeated antibiotic exposure in my lifetime (been more than a year since my last exposure, so not likely a factor re. serotonin, I hope) and there might be a problem in my colon, so serotonin production might be off.

[RRM]

How does stress affect melatonin levels? Negatively, I imagine.

That depends.
Cold and immobilization may induce melatonin (and sometimes serotonin) levels in the brain
(to battle the negative effects of stress), whereas light activation and swimming may decrease melatonin.