Melatonin

Overview

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm. Often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” melatonin plays a critical role in promoting restful sleep, enhancing nightly recovery, and supporting overall well-being. Supplementation with melatonin has become a widely trusted solution for improving sleep quality—especially among individuals managing jet lag, shift work, or sleep disruptions.

Other Common Name

N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine

Top Benefits

Regulates the sleep-wake cycle
Improves sleep quality and duration
Supports recovery and cellular repair during sleep
Reduces symptoms of jet lag
Enhances immune system function

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness. Its primary role is to signal to the body that it’s time to sleep, making it essential for maintaining a consistent and healthy circadian rhythm.

Modern lifestyles—marked by stress, blue light exposure, and irregular schedules—can disrupt natural melatonin production, leading to poor sleep. Supplementing with melatonin can help realign the body’s internal clock and restore deep, restorative sleep.

In addition to its sleep-regulating role, melatonin exhibits powerful antioxidant effects, helping protect cells from oxidative stress, support DNA repair, and enhance immune function. It also contributes to emotional regulation and mood stability, making it a foundational tool in any high-performance wellness protocol.

Marco’s Grounds™ Melatonin Sourcing

At Marco’s Grounds™, we source our melatonin from a family-owned farm in Northern India, renowned for its cultivation of St. John’s Wort—the natural source of our melatonin extract.

Our melatonin is extracted through a clean, sustainable process that preserves its purity and potency. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, and rigorously tested to meet the highest standards of quality. This ensures every dose delivers effective support for sleep, recovery, and overall mental and physical well-being.

Dosing Principles and Rationale

Clinical research supports effective melatonin doses ranging from 0.5 mg to 3 mg per day for most individuals, with higher doses reserved for specific therapeutic applications.

Marco’s Grounds™ applies hormetic dosing principles, optimizing melatonin levels to trigger a natural sleep response while avoiding overstimulation of melatonin receptors.

For sleep support: Take 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
For jet lag: Take close to local bedtime at the destination to help reset circadian timing.

Melatonin Key Mechanisms

1. Sleep Regulation

Binds to MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain, signaling the onset of sleep [1].
Synchronizes circadian rhythms, improving sleep latency and total sleep time [2].

2. Recovery and Cellular Repair

Acts as a free radical scavenger, protecting cells from oxidative damage [3].
Promotes mitochondrial function and DNA repair during sleep [4].

3. Jet Lag and Circadian Rhythm Support

Helps reset the body’s internal clock, improving sleep-wake adjustment when changing time zones [5].

4. Immune Support

Enhances the function of immune cells and modulates inflammation, supporting nighttime immune regulation [6].

Synergies with Other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

L-Theanine – Promotes calmness, reduces sleep latency, and enhances overall sleep architecture
Magnesium Glycinate – Relaxes muscles and supports melatonin's calming effects
Chamomile – Complements melatonin’s action with natural sedative and digestive benefits

References

Hardeland, R., et al. (2006). Melatonin and melatonergic drugs in clinical practice. Journal of Pineal Research, 41(3), 261–275.
Sack, R. L., et al. (2007). Circadian rhythm sleep disorders: Pathophysiology and treatment. Sleep, 30(11), 1460–1483.
Tan, D. X., et al. (2002). Melatonin as a potent and widespread antioxidant: Current evidence and clinical applications. Endocrine Reviews, 23(6), 719–753.
Reiter, R. J., et al. (2000). Melatonin reduces oxidant damage and promotes mitochondrial function. Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 78(5), 447–458.
Arendt, J. (2009). Managing jet lag: Some of the problems and possible new solutions. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 13(4), 249–256.
Carrillo-Vico, A., et al. (2005). Melatonin: Buffering the immune system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 6(4), 210–223.