Small amounts of melatonin are found in plants. Cherries, pineapples, oranges, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, nuts and some other plants contain this substance.
In the human body, melatonin is produced in the pineal gland in the brain. It is produced mainly during sleep, after dark, especially between 2 and 4 pm.
In the 1980s, research into the role of melatonin in normal sleep began. Studies have shown that melatonin is important for sleep quality, especially for the speed of falling asleep. The scientific evidence has led to the recognition that melatonin helps to reduce the length of time it takes to fall asleep. A beneficial effect was found to occur when 1 mg of melatonin was consumed before going to bed.
Melatonin also helps to reduce the subjective perception of time zone differences, which is particularly important for frequent travellers on business or on holiday.
The beneficial effects are seen with at least 0.5 mg of melatonin before going to bed on the first day of the trip and for several days after arriving at the destination.
