This panel provides an assessment of hormones, which are needed for good sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced by pineal gland in the brain and plays a significant role in sleep. Melatonin production increases when it is dark and decreases when it is light. Low melatonin levels have been known to be associated with excessive fatigue, depression, anxiety and insomnia. Several sleep disorders have been known to be associated with suppressed melatonin production. Stress, smoking, light exposure, shift work and aging all affect melatonin production. Consumption of walnuts, almonds, cherries, bananas, oats and tomatoes has been shown to raise melatonin levels. Melatonin supplements offer high levels of the hormone and can affect salivary melatonin levels and influence sleep patterns. Results illustrate hormone levels with respect to normal reference ranges.
