Melatonin

Melatonin is a substance that is produced by the pineal gland (or epiphysis), which lies at the base of the brain. It’s involved with the mechanism that some amphibians and reptiles use to change their skin colour, and therefore, was discovered in connection with its biological role. It was later shown that the production of this substance follows a circadian rhythm. It is, in fact, synthesized in the absence of light; shortly after it becomes dark, its concentration levels in the blood increase rapidly and reach its maximum concentration between 2 and 4 a.m., and then gradually decrease as daylight approaches. As we age, its concentration levels may decrease. Melatonin helps to reduce the effects of jet-lag, reduces sleep latency, regulates the circadian rhythm, improves the sleep-wake cycle and sleep quality, helps to fall asleep naturally.