Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the human body, primarily by the pineal gland, to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It helps the body to prepare for sleep, and is largely responsible for the feeling of being sleepy at night. Melatonin production is regulated by the body’s daily cycle of light and dark, and its production is triggered by darkness and inhibited by light. Low melatonin levels are associated with difficulty sleeping, which can lead to worse overall health outcomes. It is used in medicine to help with sleep disturbances, such as jet lag, shift work sleep disorder, and insomnia. Additionally, recent research suggests that it may have beneficial effects on conditions such as depression, migraines, and seasonal affective disorder.