Evidence supporting the use of: Melatonin
For the body system: Hypothalamus

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Melatonin is a hormone produced primarily by the pineal gland in the brain, under the regulation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Its primary role is in the regulation of circadian rhythms, particularly the sleep-wake cycle. Scientific studies have shown that melatonin production is closely linked to signals originating from the hypothalamus, making it a key component in the hypothalamic regulation of sleep and circadian timing. Supplementation with melatonin has been shown to be effective in treating circadian rhythm sleep disorders, such as delayed sleep phase disorder and jet lag, by influencing the hypothalamic-pineal pathway. However, most research supports melatonin’s use for sleep and circadian rhythm regulation, rather than broad hypothalamic support or function.

While melatonin clearly interacts with hypothalamic pathways, there is limited direct clinical evidence that melatonin supplementation broadly “supports the hypothalamus” as a body system outside of its impact on circadian rhythm regulation. Thus, melatonin’s use in this context is scientifically justified, but the evidence is moderate (3/5) and largely specific to circadian rhythm modulation rather than general hypothalamic health or function.

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