Measurement of melatonin and 6-sulphatoxymelatonin.

Melatonin and its major metabolite, 6-sulphatoxymelatonin, can routinely be measured by RIA or ELISA. Plasma, serum or saliva samples maybe used for melatonin measurement and urine for the metabolite. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland witha clear circadian rhythm giving low levels by day and a peak during the night in normally entrained individuals. The timing of sample collection for measurement is therefore crucial. Melatonin levels are primarily assessed to determine the timing of an individual's internal body clock and therefore indicate any misalignment to the 24 h day.