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Melatonin hormone is secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin plays a very important role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle of our body. It is sometimes called the ‘hormone of darkness’ as it is secreted during the night. Melatonin is sometimes also referred to as ‘sleep hormone’ as secretion of melatonin results in better sleep.
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Keyterms: Melatonin, Hormone, Pineal gland, Forebrain, Metabolism, Menstrual cycle, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin B3, Sleep Hormone
Pineal Gland
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The pineal gland is situated in the middle region of the forebrain. The gland is more active during the night and less active during the day. The level of melatonin is 10 times higher at night compared to the daytime. The pineal gland secretes melatonin hormone into the blood and it then travels to all the parts of the body.
What is Melatonin?
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The melatonin hormone follows a circadian rhythm but it also has a seasonal rhythm. The melatonin levels are higher during the winter and autumn seasons.
The levels of melatonin vary with age and sex. There is a decrease in levels of melatonin in the body when one hits puberty and the level keeps decreasing as a person ages. The lifestyle of an individual also affects the melatonin levels.
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Melatonin Levels
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Melatonin levels rise in the evening and lower as the morning approaches. Tissues called receptors detect the high level of melatonin in blood and send a signal to the body that it is nighttime.
Melatonin has a considerable impact on our metabolism. An increase in screen time and using phones or laptops before bedtime can affect melatonin secretion negatively.
Melatonin Hormone: Functions
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Melatonin hormone has various functions:
- It regulates the sleep cycle.
- Melatonin plays an important role in regulating the body’s reproductive processes.
- It synchronizes the body’s internal clock.
- Melatonin also regulates a woman’s menstrual cycle.
- The hormone influences the body’s circadian rhythm.
Read More: Difference Between Antigen and Antibody
Increase in Melatonin Levels
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The increase in levels of melatonin could be due to: decrease in metabolism, taking supplements that contain Vitamin B6, calcium, or Vitamin B3, staying in dark for too long, exposure to bright lighting early in the morning. Melatonin levels can also increase as a result of the consumption of certain medicines or drugs such as fluvoxamine or desipramine.
Decrease in Melatonin Levels
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The decrease in levels of melatonin could be due to: stress, excessive physical activity at night, increase in metabolism, consumption of more alcohol or coffee, working late at night, lack of sleep, being in bright lights for long durations, or decrease in melatonin production by the pineal gland. Melatonin levels can also decrease as a result of the consumption of certain drugs or medicines.
The changes in levels of melatonin can also be due to a malfunction in the pineal gland. The melatonin levels in the body should be around 10 – 40 pg/mL at night and less than 4 pg/mL in the morning.
Controlling Melatonin Levels
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The levels of melatonin in our body can be controlled by the following measures:
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Lower the consumption of coffee and alcohol
- Consumption of a B12 supplement
- Getting adequate sleep
- Avoid excessive physical activity during the night
- Intake of food that is rich in melatonin hormone or calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin B3.
- Avoid bright lights during the night, especially before bedtime
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Things to Remember
- Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland situated in the middle region of the forebrain. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle of our body.
- Melatonin hormone levels are higher during the night. Melatonin is sometimes called the ‘hormone of darkness’ or the ‘sleep hormone’.
- Melatonin hormone has a variety of functions such as regulating the sleep cycle, regulating the reproductive processes of the body, regulating the body’s internal clock.
- The hormone influences the circadian rhythm and impacts a woman’s menstrual cycle.
- There are various factors that can influence the increase or decrease of melatonin in the body. There are various measures one can take to maintain the level of melatonin in our body. Some of them are having a balanced diet, avoiding excessive physical activity at night, getting proper sleep, avoiding bright lights before bedtime, and consuming food rich in melatonin.
Previous Year Questions
- Which is not a gonadal hormone?...[WBJEE 2007]
- Tetany is caused by...[WBJEE 2011]
- The hormone that controls the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood is secreted by:...[AFMC 2005]
- During emergency, which one of the following hormone is important?..[UP CPMT 2000]
- Presence of glucose in urine is called
- The amino acid derivative among the following hormone is:
- Gigantism and acromegaly are due to improper functioning of:...[JIPMER 1996]
- Progesterone level falls during...[AMUEEE 2008]
- Regeneration of liver is
- Hypothetical plant hormones are...[AIIMS 2014]
- Aldosterone is secreted by:...[MU OET 2005]
- Which one is a synthetic Auxin:….[UPSEE 2018]
- Testosterone is produced by...[NEET 1993]
- The blood calcium level is lowered by the deficiency of...[NEET 2008]
- Rapid increase in the blood sugar level of a patient can be immediately reduced by...[KCET 2008]
- Choose the wrong statement among the following
- The pineal gland secretes
- Farathormone deficiency in blood causes:….[JIPMER 1995]
- The alternative form of gene is called…..[AMUEEE 2015]
- The hormone insulin is secreted by :...[JKCET 2006]
Sample Questions
Ques: What foods are rich in Melatonin? (3 marks)
Ans. There are various vegetables, fruits, and nuts that can increase the melatonin levels of our body. Following foods are rich in melatonin: fish, eggs, cheese, tomatoes, broccoli, asparagus, olives, cucumber, corn, pineapple, grapes, cherries, berries, pomegranate, oranges, bananas, mustard seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.
Ques. What are the uses of melatonin supplements? (3 marks)
Ans. One can take melatonin supplements for various reasons. They are consumed by people suffering from insomnia. They are also consumed to manage or prevent jet lag. People suffering from sleep disorders or sleep work disorders are also prescribed melatonin supplements.
Ques. Can melatonin supplements have side effects? (2 marks)
Ans. If consumed only for a short duration, melatonin supplements have minimal side effects. These include headaches, sleepiness, diarrhea, dryness in the mouth, insomnia, increase in weight, dry skin, chest pain, mood swings, tiredness, anxiety, aggression, dizziness, restlessness, irritability, abdominal pain, mouth ulcers, nausea, or heartburn.
Ques. Is melatonin hormone found in animals? (3 marks)
Ans. Yes, melatonin is found in animals and it is essential for them. Melatonin plays an important role in the sleep-wake cycle of animals. In some animals, melatonin is crucial for regulating the body’s seasonal biology. It affects their behavior, reproduction, and coat growth. In some animals, melatonin is involved in regulation of blood pressure.
Ques. How can one determine the level of melatonin in blood? (2 marks)
Ans. Melatonin levels in the blood can be determined by a lab test. It can be detected in a blood sample or saliva sample.
Ques. What are the effects of having a large amount of melatonin? (2 marks)
Ans. A large amount of melatonin in the blood can increase body temperature and also lead to drowsiness. It also affects the reproductive process.
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