Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland. That's a pea-sized gland found just above the middle of your brain. Melatonin has many functions, but its main one is to maintain circadian rhythmn. In humans, the circadian clock is found within the hypothalamus in an area called the suprachiasmatic nucles (SCN). Of melatonin's many functions, the best understood is the part it plays in maintaining circadian rhythms. Melatonin is regulated by light levels. Levels of melatonin rise at night when it is dark and this stimulates sleepiness and then in the morning when light from the sun rises, melatonin drops to wake us up.

The Western culture we live in has us working longer hours, with less sleep and more artifical light at night from our phones, TVs, laptops and even lamps. Insomnia and other problems related to sleep are more and more common now. Therefore, melatonin is often supplemented to adjust the body’s internal clock and fall asleep more easily. Melatonin is especially beneficial for people who work night shifts or whose daily schedule changes often. Further, it can improve sleep quality and lead to better rest and recovery.

Melatonin is used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia, delayed sleep phase and restless sleep. All of these disrupt an individuals day to day activities if we do not get enough sleep. Output at work or in the gym is decreased and as an athlete we will not get the body or performane we want if we are too tired for this. Consuming melatonin can help you to get a better night sleep, where the body will repair itself ready for the next session.