Melatonin is a hormone synthesized by the pineal gland (pineal gland) located in the brain. Its main function is to regulate the body’s circadian rhythms, which affects sleep and wakefulness. The process of melatonin synthesis is activated when light decreases and darkness falls, and fades away when exposed to bright light.
This hormone plays a key role in maintaining synchrony between internal biological rhythms and changes in the time of day. Therefore, it controls not only the phases of sleep and wakefulness, but also other bodily functions related to temporal regulations, such as hormone production and immune responses.
It is important to note that melatonin has antioxidant properties. This means that it is able to reduce the level of oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals – chemical molecules that can damage cells and tissues of the body. Melatonin protects cells from oxidation-related damage and thus contributes to the body’s overall health and resistance to environmental influences.