Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine)

Table of Contents

Other names

Melatonin Hormone
Sleep Hormone
Pineal Hormone

Synopsis

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a central role in regulating the circadian rhythm—the body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin secretion is stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light, making it a key signal for the onset of sleepiness and the maintenance of healthy sleep architecture.

As a supplement, melatonin is widely used as a sleep aid, particularly for conditions such as insomnia, jet lag, shift work disorder, and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS). It helps users fall asleep faster, improves sleep quality, and may also support REM sleep in certain cases. Melatonin is available in immediate-release, extended-release, and sublingual formulations, and is often combined with herbs like valerian or L-theanine in sleep support blends.

In addition to its role in sleep, melatonin functions as a potent antioxidant and immune modulator. It scavenges free radicals, reduces inflammation, and helps protect mitochondrial function. These properties have led to growing interest in melatonin as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular health, and even as an adjunct in cancer care due to its potential oncostatic and cytoprotective effects.

Melatonin is also involved in regulating reproductive hormones, and it influences gonadal function and puberty timing, which has made it a subject of study in pediatric endocrinology. It may also support eye health, gastrointestinal function, and mood regulation.

Historical Use
Though melatonin was not identified and isolated until the 1950s, its effects have long been observed through the lens of natural sleep-wake cycles. Ancient healing traditions—from Ayurveda to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—recognized the importance of circadian rhythms and recommended lifestyle and herbal interventions to align the body with natural light-dark cycles.

The hormone itself was first isolated in 1958 by Dr. Aaron B. Lerner, who discovered it while studying extracts of bovine pineal glands. The name “melatonin” comes from its chemical structure: N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, derived from the amino acid tryptophan. Research expanded in the late 20th century, linking melatonin to sleep, immune function, aging, and seasonal mood disorders.

By the 1990s, melatonin had become a popular over-the-counter supplement, especially for frequent travelers and individuals with sleep disorders. Its non-addictive nature, low toxicity, and wide-ranging physiological effects have made it a preferred option for many seeking natural sleep support.

In more recent years, melatonin has gained attention for its potential in chronic disease prevention, COVID-19 support protocols, and neurological protection, though further clinical trials are ongoing.

Today, melatonin remains a cornerstone of integrative sleep therapy, with applications extending beyond sleep into anti-aging medicine, immune modulation, and neuroprotection, reflecting its deep and evolving role in human physiology.

Uses: Health Conditions

Autism (Traditional)
Electromagnetic Pollution (Traditional)
Restless Dreams (Traditional)

Body Systems

Brain (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Pineal Gland (Traditional)
Serotonin (Traditional)