As a natural hormone synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan by the pineal gland, melatonin acts as a powerful regulator of sleep and the body’s daily rhythmic cycles.

Melatonin is also an important antioxidant, acting as an effective scavenger of free radicals. Many factors can cause a decrease in natural melatonin levels, including aging (with some older adults making very small amounts or none at all), insufficient exposure to natural light, and certain medications.

As melatonin is naturally activated by darkness and depressed by light (which most people never see), irregular schedules can disrupt its production. Supplementation with melatonin has been time again proven to be beneficial for the elderly, those with shift work hours or suffering from jet lag, and people who have difficulty falling asleep.