What does Melatonin mean?

Definitions for Melatonin
ˌmɛl əˈtoʊ nɪnmela·tonin

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word Melatonin.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. melatoninnoun

    hormone secreted by the pineal gland

GCIDE

  1. melatoninnoun

    A hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Chemically it is N-acety-5-methoxytryptamine. Research has indicated that there are daily rhythms in secretion of melatonin, in particular due to the depressing effect on melatonin production by light received by the retina. Conversely it appears that melatonin may influence the circadian rhythms of animals. There is some experimental evidence that administration of melatonin may increase the amount of sleep in people with sleep disorders. However, the evidence is not convincing and the effect is not profound. Nevertheless, the deregulation of melatonin and its availability over-the-counter has led to many people taking melatonin to help sleep, without consulting a physician.

Wiktionary

  1. melatoninnoun

    A hormone, related to serotonin, that is secreted by the pineal gland, and stimulates colour change in the skin of reptiles, and is involved in the sleep/wake and reproductive cycles in mammals

  2. melatoninnoun

    Any material similar in its chemistry and effect to the natural hormone.

Wikipedia

  1. Melatonin

    Melatonin is a natural product found in plants and animals. It is primarily known in animals as a hormone released by the pineal gland in the brain at night, and has long been associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle.In vertebrates, melatonin is involved in synchronizing circadian rhythms, including sleep–wake timing and blood pressure regulation, and in control of seasonal rhythmicity including reproduction, fattening, moulting and hibernation. Many of its effects are through activation of the melatonin receptors, while others are due to its role as an antioxidant. In plants, it functions to defend against oxidative stress. It is also present in various foods.Melatonin was discovered in 1958.In addition to its role as a natural hormone, melatonin is used as a dietary supplement and medication in the treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders; for information on melatonin as a supplement and medication, see the melatonin as a medication and supplement article.

ChatGPT

  1. melatonin

    Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, commonly referred to as the body's internal clock or circadian rhythm. This hormone's production is influenced by the detection of light and dark by the retina of the eye, increasing in the evening as it gets dark to help encourage sleep and decreasing in the morning light to help you wake up. Melatonin supplements are often used to treat insomnia or jet lag.

Wikidata

  1. Melatonin

    Melatonin, is also known chemically as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants, and microbes. In animals, circulating levels of the hormone melatonin vary in a daily cycle, thereby allowing the entrainment of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions. Many biological effects of melatonin are produced through activation of melatonin receptors, while others are due to its role as a pervasive and powerful antioxidant, with a particular role in the protection of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. The full effects of long-term exogenous supplementation in humans have not yet been ascertained. Melatonin is categorized by the US Food and Drug Administration as a dietary supplement, not a drug. A prescription-only, timed release melatonin product for people aged 55 and over was approved for use by the European Medicines Agency in 2007, despite having shown only small effects, and in Australia in 2009.

U.S. National Library of Medicine

  1. Melatonin

    A biogenic amine that is found in animals and plants. In mammals, melatonin is produced by the PINEAL GLAND. Its secretion increases in darkness and decreases during exposure to light. Melatonin is implicated in the regulation of SLEEP, mood, and REPRODUCTION. Melatonin is also an effective antioxidant.

Editors Contribution

  1. melatonin

    A type of neurotransmitter created in moderation within a living organism and the brain and body of an animal or human being.

    Melatonin is known to play a role in our feelings, patterns and behaviors.


    Submitted by MaryC on September 6, 2020  

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of Melatonin in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of Melatonin in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

Examples of Melatonin in a Sentence

  1. Steve Orma:

    Sunlight will decrease the release of melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy.

  2. Amy Adams:

    Eggs contain many nutrients that are important for sleep and overall general health. Research shows eggs are one food that is higher in melatonin, which has been shown to induce sleep.

  3. Meenu Singh:

    Displays like laptops, tablets, and phones should not be used for a long time at night because its bright emission suppresses the melatonin.

  4. Michael Terman:

    Since the inner clock relies on sunlight to stay in sync, winter sunrise is later and winter nights are longer, melatonin can overshoot into the day, causing grogginess or 'brain fog,' for several hours.

  5. Amy Adams:

    Tart cherry juice can increase our bodies' ability to use tryptophan, which is an amino acid linked to sleep. Tart cherry also has a high melatonin concentration, research says 8 oz of tart cherry juice in the morning and nighttime for as little as two weeks can significantly reduce insomnia.

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Melatonin#10000#30663#100000

Translations for Melatonin

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"Melatonin." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 14 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/Melatonin>.

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