Melatonin is present in animals, humans and other living organisms and helps induce sleep. With the many benefits found in melatonin, products that contain this hormone have been available in the United States since 1993 as nutritional supplements. Using melatonin for sleep problems is becoming more and more common.

Sleep is very important in order to allow the mind as well as the body to repair and relax. The growth and repair of the cells happen as we sleep. The body rejuvenates itself and heals during sleep. Therefore, a lack of sleep can cause negative outcomes on the body's normal functions.

The pineal gland, located in the brain, produces the melatonin hormone. This hormone is responsible in managing the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm is known as the twenty-four-hour body clock that is responsible for signaling to the body when is the right time to sleep. Darkness stimulates the natural release of melatonin. Research shows that melatonin can help increase the pace of falling asleep and boost the quality of sleep. Those with sleep problems may not be producing enough melatonin. Therefore, taking a sleep aid that contains melatonin can help your body fall asleep naturally.

People who work at night need to sleep during the day when their levels of melatonin are naturally low. This makes them go against their natural circadian rhythms. Individuals who travel frequently also experience the same issue due to changing time zones that tend to confuse the body clock (i.e., jet lag). This occurrence can actually have a negative outcome on the normal sleeping patterns and overall well being.

Our body normally produces enough melatonin but as we age, the pineal gland begins to produce less melatonin. For this reason, older people who have sleep deprivation should consider taking a sleep aid with melatonin in order to improve the production of this necessary hormone. In addition, using melatonin for sleep can also help reset the body's clock thereby helping those people who have trouble sleeping at night. Resetting the body's clock helps regulate sleeping patterns and contributes to a healthy, natural sleep cycle.