Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body and plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles¹². It is primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain, with levels rising at night to signal that it is time to sleep and falling during the day to promote wakefulness².

Supplemental melatonin is often used to treat sleep problems such as insomnia and jet lag. It can help people fall asleep faster and improve the overall quality of their sleep¹. While it is most commonly used for short-term sleep issues, melatonin is also utilized in some cases for longer-term sleep disorders, particularly in children and certain adults¹³.

Additionally, melatonin has been explored for other uses, including managing symptoms of depression, chronic pain, and neurodegenerative disorders, although the scientific evidence supporting these uses is not as strong⁴.

Melatonin supplements are generally considered safe with a relatively low risk of adverse effects. However, it is typically recommended for short-term use and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional³⁴.

Footnotes

1. NHS: About Melatonin ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. MedlinePlus: Melatonin ↩ ↩²

3. NCBI: Melatonin - StatPearls ↩ ↩²

4. PubMed Central: Melatonin - Pharmacology, Functions, and Therapeutic Benefits ↩ ↩²