Reference no: EM133471817

Question

"Melatonin, also known as the" sleep hormone "is a nonsteroid hormone produced by a neuroendocrine organ, the pineal gland. Melatonin is made from the amino acid tryptophan. It is released in a 24-hour cycle. It regulates our circadian rhythm which regulates our sleep/wake cycle.

As light diminishes, the darkness triggers the pineal gland to secrete more melatonin which lowers our body temperature, makes us more relaxed, and more able to fall asleep.

Levels of melatonin decrease as we age which could contribute to sleeping disorders such as insomnia. Daylight exposes the retina to more light; melatonin decreases, and we feel more alert and awake. Although low levels of melatonin do not seem to cause a potential health threat , over time it may disrupt sleep which could result in immune issues and poor healing."