Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles and helping people fall asleep. Melatonin levels rise in the evening and fall in the morning, which helps to promote sleepiness at night and wakefulness during the day.
Melatonin is available as a dietary supplement and can be purchased over-the-counter. It is typically taken in capsule or tablet form, and the recommended dosage is 1-5 mg per night. Melatonin is generally safe to take, but it can cause side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and headaches.
