Patient/caregiver was instructed upon melatonin and mechanism of action of Melatonin as follows:

1. Melatonin is a hormone normally produced by the pineal gland, which is located closer to the brain.
2. Melatonin is synthesized from an amino acid tryptophan and is released into the blood.
3. Melatonin, thus produced and released into the blood, acts on the melatonin receptors in various parts of the brain and contributes to the circadian rhythm, which is a 24-hour internal clock regulating the sleep and wakeful states in humans.
4. Melatonin production is stimulated by darkness and is inhibited by light. Thus, melatonin is produced in the night and inhibited during the day.
5. The production of melatonin during the night contributes to inducing the feeling of sleepiness.
6. Individuals with deficient melatonin production can experience difficulty falling sleep.
7. So, it can be given as a supplement to help induce sleep, especially in individuals with history of difficulty falling sleep and insomnia.
8. Melatonin supplement could also help with sleep induction, in individuals experiencing jet lag.