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Melatonin is not technically a sleep hormone, but it's a hormone that tells the body that it is nighttime and that it's time for all the organs to move to night mode

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Melatonin is released by the pineal gland in the brain shortly after sunset and for the duration of the night

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Melatonin links your biological clock and the timing of your sleep to the natural cycle of the day.

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Your natural melatonin production may be thrown off track,When you're exposed to less-than-normal daytime light, too much blue light from phones or other screens at night

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Supplement companies have created pill and liquid forms of melatonin to help those tossing and turning drift off into dreamland.

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Supplemental melatonin is often quite effective at that job, and since it seems more natural than a prescription or drugstore OTC option, it might be tempting to turn to it nightly

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But there are some health impacts you should keep in mind if you do

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In adults, impacts on physical and mental health may be noticed from seven days to months, depending on the dose

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Women might also see a different response to melatonin according to their menstrual phase

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People with sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea may notice other impacts of melatonin or experience side effects such as daytime sleepiness and dizziness, depending on the dose

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It's critical to remember that melatonin does not make us fall asleep but increases the signaling to the brain to create sleep opportunities.

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It does not act as a hypnotic or like a traditional sleeping pill—by putting you to sleep—but rather prepares you for sleep

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Melatonin might reduce feelings of anxiety and depression

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Scientific evidence of the long-term use of melatonin is limited

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The current clinical consensus is that daily melatonin consumption is considered safe