Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hormone secreted by the pineal gland: Melatonin is a natural hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The body produces more melatonin in the dark, signaling that it is time to sleep.
  • Some people take melatonin supplements to help with jet lag or insomnia.
  • The research studied the effect of melatonin on sleep quality.

Advanced Usage

• "Melatonin levels": Refers to the concentration of the hormone in the body at a given time.
  • His melatonin levels were tested to diagnose the sleep disorder.
• "Melatonin production": Refers to the process of the body creating the hormone.
  • Exposure to blue light from screens at night can suppress melatonin production.

Variants and Related Words

• Melatonergic (adj): Relating to or affecting the action of melatonin.
  • The drug has a melatonergic effect, promoting drowsiness.

Synonyms

• Sleep hormone: An informal term describing melatonin's primary function.
• Circadian hormone: A term highlighting its role in regulating daily biological rhythms.

Related Phrases

• Melatonin receptor: A structure on cells that melatonin binds to in order to exert its effects.
  • The medication works by activating melatonin receptors in the brain.
• Melatonin secretion: The process of releasing melatonin into the bloodstream.
  • Melatonin secretion typically begins in the evening.

Noun

1. hormone secreted by the pineal gland