Question

What is melatonin? What is its role in human physiology?

Answer 1

Melatonin is a type of chemical inside the human body that releases itself into our body at night time, which helps assist us to sleep. Humans naturally produce it themselves but doctors also provide it to help sleep.

Answer 2

Melatonin, a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, is produced in humans, other mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. In humans, melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of sleep cycles (i.e., circadian rhythm). Its production is influenced by the detection of light and dark by the retina of the eye.