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Melatonin, chemically N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine,is a substance found in animals, plants, fungi and bacteria. In animals it is a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness;however in other organisms it may have different functions. Likewise, the synthesis of melatonin in animals differs from that in other organisms.

In animals, melatonin is involved in the entrainment (synchronization) of the circadian rhythms of physiological functions including sleep timing, blood pressure regulation, seasonal reproduction and many others.Many of melatonin's biological effects in animals are produced through activation of melatonin receptors,while others aRe due to its role as a pervasive and powerful antioxidant,with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.

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The hormone melatonin plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle. Natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest at night. Some research suggests that melatonin supplements taken at the right time might be helpful in treating jet lag or other sleep disorders that involve poor alignment of your natural biological clock with the night-day pattern around you. Melatonin might also reduce the time it takes to fall asleep - although this effect is typically mild.

Melatonin is a natural hormone made by your body's pineal (pih-knee-uhl) gland. This is a pea-sized gland located just above the middle of the brain. During the day the pineal is inactive. When the sun goes down and darkness occurs, the pineal is