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MelatoninMain Entry: mel·a·to·ninPronunciation: mel- - t -n n Function: noun : A vertebrate hormone C13H16N2O2 that is derived from serotonin, is secreted by the pineal gland especially in response to darkness, and has been linked to the regulation of circadian rhythms Melatonin is a hormone that regulates daily wake-sleep cycles. It is produced mostly by the pineal gland (at the base of the brain) and in the intestines. Melatonin levels increase during sleep, but the increase is lessened by the presence of even small amounts of light. There is evidence that melatonin helps jet lag, sleep quality and tolerance for working night shifts or varying shifts. Some scientists think that nightly surges in melatonin may reduce the risk of certain cancers, but this has not been proven. There's no evidence that melatonin retards aging which is a claim often made in promoting it to menopausal women. There's no information available about the long-term effects of taking melatonin supplements every night. For those who want to stimulate their natural melatonin, there's probably no harm in trying to increase levels by sleeping in a completely dark room or using a sleep mask.
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