1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Definition of Melatonin

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 22, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: A naturally occurring hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness. It serves as a marker of the overall circadian rhythm. As a supplement, it is used to treat circadian rhythm sleep disorders such as jet lag.
Examples:
My doctor recommended I take melatonin supplements at night as I tend to have trouble falling asleep and then oversleep in the morning.
  1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Sleep
  4. Glossary
  5. Sleep Glossary L - O
  6. Melatonin - Definition of Melatonin

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.