1,792
Views
3
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Review

Melatonin and sleep

, &
Pages 490-493 | Received 04 Feb 2018, Accepted 09 Feb 2018, Published online: 05 Mar 2018
 

Abstract

Sleep-wake cycle is the predominant example of circadian rhythms. Melatonin is commonly used to treat insomnia and in additional neurodevelopmental disorders in which sleep disturbance is frequent. In mammals, melatonin receptors are present in the membrane and cell nucleus of many tissues and systems where it exhibits various actions, including the regulation of circadian rhythms. The rhythmic pattern of melatonin secretion is imperative since it endows with vital information to the organism concerning time, which permits for alterations of a number of physiological functions consistent with daily and seasonal variations. Melatonin as well has sleep promoting effects demonstrated in changes in brain activation patterns and tiredness generation. The SCN’s (suprachiasmatic nuclei) function and melatonin production capability turns down with age consequently depriving the brain from an important time cue and sleep regulator.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 61.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 387.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.