Melatonin: The Ancient Molecule That Connects Us to Light, Life, and the Cosmos

Lenka Schulze, Ph.D.
Dec 16
2 min read

Person in a green hammock over a forest stream, surrounded by trees and sunlight filtering through leaves. Relaxed and serene mood.

Did you know that one of the most powerful molecules in your body is over 3 billion years old?

Melatonin, yes, the same compound we associate with sleep, has been found in every living organism ever studied, from humans to single-celled algae. Long before our brains evolved, nature was already using melatonin to sync life with the cycles of light and dark.

Morning Light, Evening Calm

Every morning when sunlight touches your eyes, your pineal gland, a tiny organ deep in the brain, begins producing serotonin, your daytime neurotransmitter. It lifts your mood, fuels your energy, and keeps you alert.

As evening falls and darkness returns, the pineal gland shifts gears, turning that serotonin into melatonin, your nighttime neurotransmitter. This transition isn’t random. This is a perfect reflection of nature’s rhythm, called the circadian cycle.

This cycle doesn’t just guide your sleep. The circadian cycle coordinates digestion, immunity, metabolism, and emotional balance. When we live in tune with it, our bodies thrive. When we ignore it, imbalance begins.

The Mystical Pineal Gland

The pineal gland has fascinated thinkers for centuries. Ancient physician Galen of Pergamon called it the conarium, and René Descartes later described it as the “seat of the soul.”

Modern research adds another layer of intrigue. Dr. Rick Strassman, author and psychiatrist at the University of New Mexico, has suggested that the pineal gland may produce DMT, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound, during moments of birth, death, or near-death experiences. This may explain the profound visions and feelings of unity reported by people who have glimpsed “the other side.”

More Than a Hormone

Though melatonin is often labeled a hormone, researchers Dr. Paula Witt-Enderby and Dr. Russel Reiter argue it’s much more. They describe it as a primordial molecule — one that connects all life to the light and dark rhythms of Earth.

And melatonin doesn’t just help you sleep — it’s also one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. It helps fight inflammation, boosts immunity, protects against toxins, and even supports heart and brain health.

During deep sleep (around 2–3 a.m.), your melatonin levels peak, mobilizing immune cells to repair, restore, and defend your body.

Daytime Melatonin — The Hidden 90%

Here’s the surprising part: only about 10% of melatonin is made at night. The other 90% is produced during the day, powered by sunlight and vitamin D! This “subcellular melatonin” fuels essential processes like breathing, digestion, detoxification, and circulation.

Melatonin and Longevity

As we age, melatonin production naturally declines, but research shows that supplementing it can extend lifespan in animals by up to 20%. More than a sleep aid, melatonin may be a key to longer, healthier living by restoring harmony with the natural cycles of light and dark.