What Is Melatonin and How Does It Affect Your Sleep? If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep or stay asleep, chances are you’ve come across the term melatonin—a natural hormone often associated with sleep aids. But what exactly is melatonin, and how does it work within your body to influence your sleep cycle? In this blog post, we’ll break down what melatonin is, why it’s important, and how it plays a vital role in helping you get the rest you need. What Is Melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone your body produces naturally, primarily in the pineal gland, a small gland located in the brain. It’s sometimes referred to as the "sleep hormone" because of its crucial role in regulating your circadian rhythm, your body’s internal clock that signals when it’s time to be awake and when it’s time to sleep. Melatonin production is tightly linked to the light-dark cycle. As evening falls and natural light decreases, your brain starts producing more melatonin to help you wind down and p...