Melatonin
/hormones/melatonin/
Melatonin is mainly produced by the pineal gland and although it appears not to be essential for human physiology, it is known to have a range of different effects when taken as a medication.

Pineal gland
/glands/pineal-gland/
The pineal gland is situated in the middle of the human brain and is the major site of the body's melatonin production.

Make your own body clock
/explore/resources/activities/make-your-own-body-clock/
Pupils make their own ‘body clock medallion’ to take home. They will learn what hormones are involved in some key bodily functions in a 24-hour period. This activity is designed for students aged 8-12 and is a craft activity designed to stimulate discussion around hormonal control of everyday biological processes.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone
/hormones/melanocyte-stimulating-hormone/
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone describes a group of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and skin cells. It is important for protecting the skin from UV rays, development of pigmentation and control of appetite.

Can I hack my hormones to beat jet lag?
/explore/resources/podcasts/can-i-hack-my-hormones-to-beat-jet-lag/
We explore the hormones behind our sleep-wake cycle, how they can get out of sync and why some athletes are totally immune to jet lag.

Jet lag
/endocrine-conditions/jet-lag/
Rapid travel across time zones may lead to jet lag – a range of temporary symptoms occurring because the body's internal (circadian/daily) clock cannot immediately reset.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorders
/endocrine-conditions/circadian-rhythm-sleep-disorders/
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders occur when the circadian clock in the brain, which drives daily behavioural and physiological rhythms, is not synchronised with 'real' local time. This can result in abnormal sleep patterns, sleep loss and fatigue.

Hypothalamus
/glands/hypothalamus/
The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that has a vital role in controlling many bodily functions including the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.

Pituitary gland
/glands/pituitary-gland/
The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that plays a major role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing. It is referred to as the body's 'master gland' because it controls the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands.