Secrets of the 'Sleep Hormone': Discovery Leads to Novel Melatonin Drug With Potential to Treat Insomnia

Presently, most treatments for insomnia are not effective for deep sleep and can lead to dependence and cognitive impairment. Melatonin is a critical hormone produced by the pineal gland, it is responsible for regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. There are two principal melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, MT2 receptors favor deep sleep. This discovery is a breakthrough that could lead to potential insomnia treatments that involve melatonin and the MT2 receptor.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213190019.htm