🧠 EEG As an Objective Measurement of Sleep Quality

Rethinking Sleep Support: Why Choosing A Natural Melatonin Enabler like Maizinol® Matters

March 12, 2026
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Unigen Labs

By Mesfin Yimam, DVM, MS., Director, Pre-Clinical Research

Table of Contents

Melatonin is a hormone produced by Pinealocytes of the pineal gland. While certain gastrointestinal mucosal cells, such as enterochromaffin cells, produce melatonin at levels approximately 400 times higher than the pineal gland, their activity is primarily limited to local functions.1 In contrast, melatonin produced in the brain receives significant attention due to its central role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.

Figure 1: Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland and regulated by SCN 
(Source: bioninja)

The Aging Melatonin System: Why Production Declines Over Time

The production of melatonin by the pineal gland does not remain consistent throughout life. As we age, progressive calcification of pinealocytes leads to a gradual decline in melatonin synthesis and secretion. By the age of 50, melatonin production typically decreases by about 50% compared to levels during childhood, particularly between the ages of 8 and 10, which are considered peak production years.2-5

Figure 2: Melatonin productions decrease with age
(Source: Grivas TB, Savvidou OD. Melatonin the “light of night” in human biology and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis. 2007 Apr 4;2:6.)

Adults who maintain healthy melatonin levels often enjoy sound, restorative sleep and wake feeling refreshed. In contrast, older adults with a melatonin deficiency frequently experience disrupted sleep, including premature awakenings and difficulty falling back asleep which are key symptoms of poor sleep quality. In acute cases, this can lead to morning grogginess, daytime fatigue, impaired memory, attention deficits, and an overall decline in quality of life. Chronic sleep deprivation, in turn, can contribute to a host of serious health issues.

Among the most common age-related sleep complaints in older adults are fragmented and inconsistent sleep patterns, which interfere with sleep maintenance. When combined with difficulty falling asleep at night, achieving restorative sleep becomes increasingly challenging. As a result, many adults turn to melatonin supplements at bedtime to help initiate and sustain sleep.

The Science Behind Exogenous Melatonin and Its Limits

When consumed at a physiological dosage (0.5 – 1 mg),6 the role of melatonin in improving sleep is scientifically well-established, clinically validated, and extensively documented in peer-reviewed journals through numerous clinical studies and multiple meta-analyses. The collective body of evidence suggests that melatonin plays a key role in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep. These findings have led regulatory bodies such as the EFSA to support the use of melatonin at physiological doses before bedtime to promote sleep onset rather than sleep maintenance.7

In technical terms, the use of exogenous melatonin can be considered a form of hormone replacement therapy, which may contribute to hormonal imbalances and the potential overriding of the natural circadian rhythm.

Figure 3: Plasma and Salivary melatonin levels during darkness and day light
(Source: Grivas TB, Savvidou OD. Melatonin the “light of night” in human biology and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis. 2007 Apr 4;2:6.) 

Melatonin is generally well tolerated in the short term. However, not everyone responds equally well to exogenous melatonin, particularly at pharmacological doses (≥ 3 mg), which can result in elevated melatonin levels the following day. Some individuals may experience unwanted side effects, such as vivid dreams or nightmares, morning grogginess often referred to as a ‘melatonin hangover’ or disruptions to their circadian rhythm, leading to phase shifts that either advance or delay their biological clock. 9-11

The Case for Endogenous Support: Maizinol®’s Triple-Action Mechanism

This has led to interest in alternatives that stimulate the body’s natural melatonin production. Until recently, options for promoting endogenous melatonin synthesis were limited. Unigen’s Maizinol®, a hormone-free, standardized corn leaf extract, has been shown to have triple actions: 1. to support the body’s own melatonin production; 2. upregulate its MT1 and MT2 receptors at gene and protein levels; 3. binding directly to MT1 and MT2 receptors.12,13 These mechanisms give Maizinol® a competitive advantage for those who are sensitive to melatonin supplements or who prefer a more natural approach to sleep support.

Figure 4: Mechanisms of Action of Maizinol® 

Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that Maizinol® alone offers significant benefits in promoting quality, restorative sleep.13-15 In our comparative analysis against melatonin reported from Meta Analyses,16-21 Maizinol® was found to be more effective in maintaining sleep rather than initiating it. Therefore, Maizinol® use as a stand alone or in combination with melatonin especially for aging population may offer a complementary solution helping the body transition into sleep more quickly while also supporting uninterrupted, sustained rest.

Figure 5: Comparative Analysis of Melatonin vs Maizinol® 

Maizinol® vs. Melatonin: Complementary, Not Competing

Whether to combine Maizinol® with melatonin is ultimately a personal choice. However, Maizinol® on its own has been shown to help individuals fall asleep faster, reduce the number of nighttime awakenings, shorten periods of wakefulness during the night, support longer sleep duration, promote healthy sleep patterns, enhance restful deep sleep, and improve overall sleep efficiency. It is generally well tolerated and does not cause morning grogginess, daytime fatigue, memory impairment, or attention deficits which are side effects commonly associated with traditional sleep medications and high doses of exogenous melatonin. This makes Maizinol® an appealing and effective option for natural sleep support.

References

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