Melatonin - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition melatonin

Definition :

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland Chemically it is N acety 5 methoxytryptamine Research has indicated that there are daily rhythms in secretion of melatonin in particular due to the depressing effect on melatonin production by light received by the retina Conversely it appears that melatonin may influence the circadian rhythms of animals There is some experimental evidence that administration of melatonin may increase the amount of sleep in people with sleep disorders However the evidence is not convincing and the effect is not profound Nevertheless the deregulation of melatonin and its availability over the counter has led to many people taking melatonin to help sleep without consulting a physician