Melatonin is a human hormone produced deep within the brain by the pineal gland, from the amino acid tryptophan. It has been called the "darkness" hormone because the synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light. Levels of melatonin in the bloodstream are highest prior to bedtime. Since production of this hormone rises at night and decreases by day, Melatonin affects our internal body clock and sleep cycles....<Read more>