Melatonin is a hormone produced deep in the brain that plays a major role in regulating your sleep/wake cycle. When it’s dark outside your body produces and releases melatonin. When it’s light outside, your melatonin production is reduced.

Melatonin acts as a chemical messenger to tell other parts of your body that it’s time for bed. Melatonin supplements taken before bed may help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep, especially with changing time zones or work schedules, and other unplanned sleep disruptions. Studies show that short-term use of melatonin supplements is safe for most people, however, if sleep problems persist melatonin is not recommended as a long-term solution.