Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in your brain that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). According to research, melatonin levels typically rise in the evening and fall in the morning, signaling to your body when it’s time to sleep and wake up.
The hormone works by:
- Binding to receptors in your brain that reduce nerve activity
- Lowering body temperature
- Reducing dopamine levels that keep you awake
- Synchronizing your internal clock with environmental light-dark cycles
As a supplement, synthetic melatonin mimics the effects of your natural hormone to help with sleep disorders and jet lag.
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Last Updated: October 27, 2025
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