Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally in your body and assists with your sleep and wake cycle. As the sun sets each day your body begins to produce more melatonin to signal that it's time to go to sleep. Light in the morning and each day causes melatonin production to decrease, indicating that it is time to be awake and move about the day. For individuals who may have trouble sleeping, melatonin is available in supplement form and may assist with their sleep-wake cycle.
Several clinical trials suggest that the rhythm of melatonin release in the body can often be disrupted during the fall and winter, leading to lower levels of melatonin in the body. These lower melatonin levels may lead to appetite increase and weight gain. These results suggest that adding a melatonin supplement to your evening during the fall and winter may be beneficial on your health journey.
It is recommended that adults take two to three milligrams of melatonin an hour to thirty minutes before bedtime. Melatonin can be purchased over the counter at most drug stores, but please consult your doctor before beginning a new melatonin schedule.