By: Kali Richardson MELATONIN

Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland which is a tiny endocrine gland located in the center of the brain. WHERE IS IT PRODUCED?

Melatonin travels to the brain to enable the body to sleep. WHAT IS THE TARGET CELL?

Melatonin is released when the retinas of the eye senses light or lack of light. If it detects darkness then melatonin will then be secreted from the pineal gland. WHAT CAUSES IT TO BE PRODUCED?

The production of melatonin is more active throughout the night. This promotes sleep which will lower body temperature and heart rate. Production during the day is lower because the retinas take in more light. This stops the production of melatonin so the body will stay awake during the day. WHEN IS MELATONIN MORE ACTIVE?

Tryptophan Derivative: STRUCTURE OF MELATONIN

Melatonin binds with specific plasma membranes to enter the brain. HOW DOES IT ENTER THE TARGET CELL?

Throughout the day a normal amount of melatonin would be 1-10mg. This typically raises about 3-60x more at night. WHAT IS A TYPICAL AMOUNT OF MELATONIN FOUND IN BLOOD?

Melatonin travels to the brain enabling the body to fall asleep. WHAT DOES MELATONIN CAUSE THE BODY TO DO?

Too Much Melatonin: Drowsiness and lower core body temperature will occur. Also, too much melatonin can have effects of the reproductive system. Not Enough Melatonin: Insomnia (inability to fall asleep) DSPS (Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome) ATYPICAL AMOUNTS OF MELATONIN

Melatonin can be synthetically replaced in a laboratory. It is mostly found in a pill form. However, melatonin can also be absorbed through the cheeks or under the tongue. This allows the melatonin to be absorbed directly into the blood stream. SYNTHETIC REPLACEMENT

Healthy diet that includes several vitamins and minerals. Also, melatonin (an identical hormone replacement) can be prescribed. TREATMENT