melatonin
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- hormone secreted by the pineal gland