WeCare101

 

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain, that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles.

 

What does it do?

Your body has its own internal clock that helps regulate your natural cycle of sleeping and waking hours in part by controlling the production of melatonin. Normally, melatonin levels begin to rise in the mid- to late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then decline in the early morning hours. Natural melatonin production is partly affected by light. During the shorter days of the winter months, melatonin production may start earlier or, more often, later. Natural melatonin levels decline gradually with age. Some older adults produce very small amounts of melatonin or none at all. Melatonin dietary supplements are sometimes used to address jet lag or sleep problems (insomnia). Melatonin is also being studied for the treatment of sleep problems in blind people. People who are blind with no perception of light can have sleep problems such as sleeping during the day and being awake at night.

 

Anyone who has gone without sleep for any length of time knows the physical and mental stress this causes to the body. Getting a good night's sleep is essential to feeling good all day long.

 

Very small amounts of melatonin are found in foods such as meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Melatonin is also naturally produced in small amounts within the body.