Research indicates that melatonin and mitochondria are intertwined. For starters, most of the body’s melatonin supply is actually produced inside the mitochondria, think of it as the oil that keeps the car engine running smoothly. And with age, not only does that engine (mitochondria) put out less power, and generate more exhaust (metabolic waste), but the oil levels (melatonin) drop as well. That creates a vicious cycle that, with the passing of the decades, make us look and feel older, not to mention becoming more prone to chronic disease. But when we really understand what’s going on, we have the tools and the opportunity to start to push back.