What Does Melatonin Do, and How Does It Work?

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle by signaling to your body that it’s time to sleep. Produced naturally by the pineal gland, melatonin levels rise in the evening to promote sleepiness and fall in the morning to encourage wakefulness. Supplementing with melatonin can help improve sleep duration and quality, particularly for issues like jet lag or shift work. It also offers additional benefits, such as supporting eye health and potentially aiding in conditions like acid reflux and migraines.