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Melatonin Release

Meaning

The pulsatile secretion of the indoleamine hormone melatonin, primarily by the pineal gland, in a pattern tightly regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in response to darkness. This release is the principal biological signal for initiating and maintaining the circadian rhythm of sleep and wakefulness, serving as a critical endocrine modulator of the sleep-wake cycle and a potent endogenous antioxidant. Optimal melatonin release is fundamental to restorative sleep and overall hormonal health.