Melatonin is both a hormone and a potent antioxidant made primarily in the pineal gland. Melatonin conveys information about day and circadian rhythm. It is the body’s primary signal of night fall, and also is a natural sleep inducer. It decreases body temperature and blood pressure to aid in sleep induction. Most likely, a brief exposure to light at night may inhibit melatonin production. Production is stimulated by darkness, and suppressed by light. Levels peak during night time, and decrease toward morning. Melatonin is the most effective known scavenger of the hydroxyl radical, maybe more than Glutathione or Vitamin E. Melatonin may protect against cellular damage. Supplementation promotes sleep, and has positive effect on obesity.
