Melatonin
MEL
Description
"Melatonin" test measures the level of melatonin in your saliva to help identify sleep disruptions tied to your internal body clock. Doctors often use this test when investigating delayed sleep phase syndrome, insomnia, or circadian rhythm issues. Samples are collected at specific times to assess hormone timing and production. Abnormal results may explain trouble falling asleep, nighttime waking, or grogginess. Test findings guide treatments such as light therapy, supplements, or schedule adjustments to restore healthy sleep-wake cycles.
Category
Hormones
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Saliva
Units
Picograms Per Milliliter
Procedure Category
Swab
Test Group
Sleep Function Group
Test Group Description
Sleep Function Group: This group of tests evaluates sleep quality and function, providing insights into sleep architecture and potential disruptions for comprehensive sleep health assessment.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit:
Morning (6:00–8:00 AM): 0–2.00 pg/mL | Midday (12:00 PM): 0–2.00 pg/mL | Evening (8:00–10:00 PM): 5.00–20.00 pg/mL | Midnight (12:00–2:00 AM): 20.00–40.00 pg/mL | Early Morning (3:00 AM): 30.00–50.00 pg/mLSI Unit:
Morning (6:00–8:00 AM): 0–2.00 pg/mL | Midday (12:00 PM): 0–2.00 pg/mL | Evening (8:00–10:00 PM): 5.00–20.00 pg/mL | Midnight (12:00–2:00 AM): 20.00–40.00 pg/mL | Early Morning (3:00 AM): 30.00–50.00 pg/mL
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit:
Morning (6:00–8:00 AM): 0–3.00 pg/mL | Midday (12:00 PM): 0–3.00 pg/mL | Evening (8:00–10:00 PM): 0–11.90 pg/mL | Midnight (12:00–2:00 AM): 10.00–40.00 pg/mL | Early Morning (3:00 AM): Up to 50.00 pg/mLSI Unit:
Morning (6:00–8:00 AM): 0–3.00 pg/mL | Midday (12:00 PM): 0–3.00 pg/mL | Evening (8:00–10:00 PM): 0–11.90 pg/mL | Midnight (12:00–2:00 AM): 10.00–40.00 pg/mL | Early Morning (3:00 AM): Up to 50.00 pg/mL
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Circadian rhythm disorders (Disruptions in the body's internal clock)
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (Delay in the timing of the sleep-wake cycle)
Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (Disruption of the sleep-wake cycle with a length longer than 24 hours)
Pinealoma (Tumor of the pineal gland)
Seasonal changes
Key Reasons For Testing
Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders: Measures melatonin levels to identify conditions like insomnia and delayed sleep phase syndrome.
Management of Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Assists in addressing disorders like jet lag and shift work disorder.
Monitoring Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Evaluates circadian disruptions to guide therapies like light treatment.
Evaluation of Reproductive Health: Assesses melatonin's role in fertility and menstrual irregularities.
Investigation of Neurological Disorders: Explores melatonin's impact on conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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