Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body. It is secreted by the pineal body in response to darkness. Normal secretion peaks around midnight and gradually decreases by morning. As we age, the natural production of melatonin decreases.
Taking melatonin helps to:
Increase total sleep time in people with sleep limitations or altered sleep schedules, e.g. shift work and jet lag
Improve the quality of sleep
Help relieve daytime fatigue associated with jet lag