Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the pineal gland, located in the middle of the brain. The pineal gland is essential towards the production of melatonin. During the day, the pineal gland is turned off, thus producing no melatonin. [1] However, at night, the pineal gland becomes active as a result of suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) turning it on. [2] The production of melatonin typically begins around 9pm, when the pineal gland becomes active. The pineal gland discharges melatonin in mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and humans. [3] A primary killer of melatonin is bright lights, including computer screens, lamps, and other objects that emit strong beams of light. Therefore if you are a person who looks at screens until you go to bed, you may find it difficult to get to sleep quickly. This occurs because the screens are killing the melatonin production within your bloodstream, thus making it harder to fall asleep quicker. [4]
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