Many of us think of melatonin only as an over-the-counter sleep aid, given its widespread use. But melatonin is a hormone already circulating through our bodies, like adrenaline or cortisol.

This dramatic increase in use of melatonin reflects our inclination to try “shortcuts” to get a good night’s sleep. Melatonin isn’t the first one and it surely won’t be the last.

Having some trouble falling asleep? Blame it on your pineal gland. Melatonin is a hormone created by the pineal gland in the midbrain and it helps regulate your sleep and wake cycle, according to ...