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Melatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland at night, and has long been associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle.In vertebrates, melatonin is involved in synchronizing circadian rhythms, including sleep–wake timing and blood pressure regulation, and in control of seasonal rhythmicity including reproduction, fattening, moulting and hibernation.

Melatonin is used in pharmaceuticals and health products, it can enhance the body's immune function, prevent aging and restore youth, and is also a natural "sleeping pill".

ChEBI: Melatonin is a member of the class of acetamides that is acetamide in which one of the hydrogens attached to the nitrogen atom is replaced by a 2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl group. It is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in humans. It has a role as a hormone, an anticonvulsant, an immunological adjuvant, a radical scavenger, a central nervous system depressant, a human metabolite, a mouse metabolite and a geroprotector. It is a member of acetamides and a member of tryptamines. It is functionally related to a tryptamine.