The rise of cortisol in the morning sets a timer in our body that dictates when melatonin, the hormone that makes us sleepy, will be secreted, and it's crucial to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Stressful events can also set a timer in our nervous system that affects the secretion of melatonin.
The pineal gland is a small, pea-sized gland in the human brain that releases melatonin, which is responsible for making us sleepy and facilitating sleep. While some people may consider supplementing with melatonin, it is important to note that it also suppresses the onset of puberty.
The release of melatonin correlates with the onset of puberty and early adulthood, but the amount of melatonin in commercially available products can vary greatly, and it's important to note that melatonin helps with falling asleep but not staying asleep.