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Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating sleep through circadian rhythm modulation in humans and animals. Beyond its association with the pineal gland, it affects multiple organ systems, such as the gut-brain axis. 

 

The November 27 2024 report in Nature, suggests melatonin may be a therapeutic agent for various dysbiosis-associated conditions due to how it affects the intestinal microbiota.

 

What happens during the dark periods of winter?

Apparently a particular strain of gut bacteria aids in the production of melatonin, especially during the winter months.

 

A few bacteria and fungi also have been shown to synthesize melatonin, first discovered in 1995 with R. rubrum, an organism estimated to be 2 to 3.5 billion years old, and Porphyrobacter (formerly Erythrobacter) longus. These bacteria produce significantly more melatonin during extended periods of darkness compared with light periods.