Which hormone appears to play an important role in establishing the body’s
sleep-wake cycle?
Thymosin
Cortisol
Melatonin
Aldosterone

Melatonin, often dubbed the “sleep hormone,” is produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, signaling to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This rhythmic production helps regulate your circadian rhythms, making melatonin an essential player in promoting relaxation and a good night’s rest.

Cortisol, on the other hand, is often considered the “stress hormone,” peaking in the early morning to help kickstart alertness and energy for the day ahead. However, its levels decline throughout the day, which is part of the body’s natural “wakefulness” mechanism, working in a delicate balance with melatonin to manage our sleep-wake cycles.