Melatonin vs. Serotonin — What's the Difference?

Helps signal the body that it's time to sleep.

A neurotransmitter regulating mood, appetite, and digestion.

A hormone regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

Known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter.

Commonly used to treat sleep disorders.

Targeted by antidepressant medications.

Produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness.

Precursor to melatonin in the pineal gland.

Influenced by light exposure.

Found in the gastrointestinal tract, CNS, and blood platelets.

Melatonin is a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland at night, and has long been associated with control of the sleep–wake cycle. As a dietary supplement, it is often used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, such as from jet lag or shift work, and is typically taken orally.

Serotonin () or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Its biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction.Biochemically, the indoleamine molecule derives from the amino acid tryptophan, via the (rate-limiting) hydroxylation of the 5 position on the ring (forming the intermediate 5-hydroxytryptophan), and then decarboxylation to produce serotonin.

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland which inhibits melanin formation and is thought to be concerned with regulating the reproductive cycle.

An organic compound, C10H12N2O, that is formed from tryptophan and is found especially in the gastrointestinal tract, the platelets, and the nervous system of humans and other animals, and functions as a neurotransmitter and in vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles, and regulation of cyclic body processes.

An animal hormone, C13H16N2O2, derived from serotonin and produced by the pineal gland. It stimulates color change in the skin of amphibians and reptiles and plays a role in regulating circadian rhythms and reproductive cycles in mammals. It is also found in plants and fungi.

(neurotransmitter) An indoleamine neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine, that is involved in depression, appetite, etc., and is crucial in maintaining a sense of well-being, security, etc.

A hormone, related to serotonin, that is secreted by the pineal gland, and stimulates colour change in the skin of reptiles, and is involved in the sleep/wake and reproductive cycles in mammals.

A neurotransmitter involved in e.g. sleep and depression and memory

Any material similar in its chemistry and effect to the natural hormone.

A hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Chemically it is N-acety-5-methoxytryptamine. Research has indicated that there are daily rhythms in secretion of melatonin, in particular due to the depressing effect on melatonin production by light received by the retina. Conversely it appears that melatonin may influence the circadian rhythms of animals. There is some experimental evidence that administration of melatonin may increase the amount of sleep in people with sleep disorders. However, the evidence is not convincing and the effect is not profound. Nevertheless, the deregulation of melatonin and its availability over-the-counter has led to many people taking melatonin to help sleep, without consulting a physician.

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland

Melatonin signals the body that it's time to sleep by responding to darkness.

Yes, melatonin supplements are commonly used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite, and digestion.

Serotonin helps regulate mood, making you feel happier and more balanced.

Serotonin is found in the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and blood platelets.

Serotonin levels are influenced by diet, exercise, and exposure to natural light.

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland of the brain.

Serotonin is a precursor to melatonin, meaning it is converted into melatonin in the pineal gland.

Melatonin production is influenced by the light-dark cycle.

Melatonin supplements are generally considered safe for short-term use.

Yes, melatonin can help reset the body's internal clock and alleviate jet lag.

Yes, serotonin plays a significant role in regulating digestion and gut function.

Yes, serotonin can impact sleep quality indirectly by being a precursor to melatonin.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are medications that increase serotonin levels to treat depression and anxiety.