What is melatonin?
An important sleep-wake hormone, melatonin is naturally produced by the pineal gland, a small brain gland located in the vicinity of the temple. Melatonin regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle and is released in response to darkness.
The body's natural sleep-wake cycle is disrupted by light exposure, particularly blue light from electronic devices. Melatonin levels in the body typically increase as the sun sets, which promotes sleep.
There are several forms of melatonin available as supplements, including capsules, tablets, and liquids. It is often used as a natural sleep aid because it helps people fall asleep faster and wake up less frequently during the night. In addition to treating jet lag and insomnia, it is also effective in treating other conditions.