Pineal Gland: Function, Location, and Melatonin

The pineal gland is a very small endocrine gland which has been found in the base of the midbrain, near the center of the brain. The most common known role of the pineal gland is to help create melatonin (a hormone) for the regulation of an individual’s normal sleep/wake cycles.

The pineal gland is associated with many different things including sleep, dreaming, meditation, and “the third eye”. While some aspects of this have been researched by medical professionals; other areas are derived from various spiritual beliefs. In order to differentiate one from the other, it would be helpful to know both.

This article will explain (pineal gland function) what function(s) the pineal gland serves; its location on or within the human body; how it influences the production of melatonin; and when you should consult a health care provider regarding the pineal gland.

Key Takeaways

• The Pineal Gland is an extremely small, pea-shaped gland which is found in the very back of the head.
• One primary function of this gland is to create Melatonin; A Hormone that controls how long you sleep during a 24-hour period.
• Typically, Melatonin production increases with decreasing amounts of Light, and decreases with increasing amounts of Light.
• The Pineal Gland aids your Body’s ability to understand when it should go to Sleep and when it should Wake-up.
• Screen (Phone/Computer/Tablet) Lighting at night can suppress your Body’s Natural Melatonin Production.
• Keeping a healthy sleep schedule by going to bed at the same Time each Night, will help your Body follow its Natural Melatonin Rhythm.
• Additionally, while there are many Melatonin Supplements on the Market today, speaking with a Healthcare Professional prior to taking Melatonin Supplements regularly is recommended.

What Is the Pineal Gland?

The Pineal Gland is a tiny Endocrine gland located at the middle of the Brain. A gland produces Hormones which are Chemical Messengers used by the Body for Important Processes.

Although the Pineal Gland is extremely Small (approximately the size of a Grain of Rice) Its Role in the Body is Extremely Important as It Helps Your Body Respond to Light and Darkness.

Its main known function is the production of melatonin.

Melatonin levels usually rise in the evening as it gets darker. They stay higher overnight and fall again as morning approaches. This pattern helps support your circadian rhythm, also called your internal body clock.

Where Is the Pineal Gland Located?

Although the pineal gland is located at the center of the brain; surrounded by both sides of the brain; it remains a part of the epithalamus portion of the brain.

Since the pineal gland resides internally within the confines of the skull (deep inside the brain) it can’t be felt externally via palpation.

It also exists very closely to several key parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling movement, processing visual information, and managing cerebrospinal fluid flow. Thus a large cyst in this location, or another unusual pineal area condition could potentially require medical evaluation.

In the majority of cases, however, the pineal gland operates quietly and without producing noticeable symptoms.

What Does the Pineal Gland Do?

The pineal gland’s main job is to produce melatonin in response to darkness.

Your body takes in light through your eyes. That light information travels to parts of the brain that help regulate your daily timing. When light levels fall, the brain sends signals that support melatonin production in the pineal gland.

Melatonin does not force you to sleep. Instead, it helps signal to your body that nighttime has arrived.

The pineal gland is linked to:

• Melatonin production
• Sleep timing
• Circadian rhythm regulation
• The body’s response to light and darkness
• Seasonal changes in day length

Researchers continue to study the pineal gland. It may have other roles, but melatonin production is the clearest and best-supported function.

The Pineal Gland and Melatonin

Melatonin is often called the “sleep hormone,” but that name can be misleading.

Melatonin helps manage the timing of sleep. It tells your body that it is time to wind down. It does not work like a sedative medication.

Your body normally produces more melatonin when it is dark. Bright light at night, especially blue-rich light from phones, tablets, televisions, and some indoor lighting, may delay or reduce this natural signal.

Healthy habits that can support your natural sleep rhythm include:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and waking time
• Exposure to natural daylight during the morning hours
• Decreasing amount of bright light prior to going to bed
• Maintaining a cool, quiet, and dark sleeping environment.
• Avoiding Caffeine in the evening.
• Developing a relaxing pre-sleep routine.

If you have ongoing insomnia, loud snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, extreme daytime tiredness, or major changes in sleep, speak with a healthcare professional.

Does the Pineal Gland Control Sleep?

The pineal gland plays a role in sleep timing, but it does not control sleep on its own.

Sleep is affected by many systems in the body. These include your brain, nervous system, daily routine, stress level, physical health, medication use, and sleep environment.

Melatonin from the pineal gland is one part of a larger system.

For example, you may still have trouble sleeping even if melatonin is present. Stress, pain, anxiety, shift work, sleep apnea, caffeine, alcohol, and screen use can all affect sleep quality.

It is more accurate to say that the pineal gland helps your body recognize when it is nighttime.

What Is Pineal Gland Calcification?

Pineal gland calcification means that calcium deposits are visible in the pineal gland on a scan.

It is a common finding, especially as people get older. In many cases, it is found by chance during a CT scan or other imaging test done for a different reason.

Scientists are still studying the possible relationship between pineal calcification, melatonin, aging, and sleep. Having calcification on a scan does not automatically mean that a person will have symptoms or need treatment.

Be cautious with claims that promise to “decalcify” the pineal gland through supplements, detoxes, special diets, or expensive products. There is no well-established treatment that removes normal pineal calcification.

Read more in our guide to pineal gland calcification and pineal gland decalcification claims.

What Is a Pineal Cyst?

A pineal cyst is a fluid-filled sac in or near the pineal gland. Many pineal cysts are found incidentally during an MRI and do not cause problems.

In some cases, a clinician may recommend follow-up imaging or further assessment. This depends on the cyst’s size, appearance, symptoms, and other findings on the scan.

Contact a healthcare professional if you have new or concerning neurological symptoms, especially if they are severe, sudden, or getting worse.

Possible warning signs can include:

• Severe or unusual headaches
• Vision changes
• Trouble with balance or coordination
• Persistent vomiting
• Confusion
• Fainting
• New weakness or numbness

These symptoms can have many causes. They do not automatically mean that the pineal gland is involved. However, urgent or severe symptoms should always be assessed by a qualified clinician.

For a fuller overview, read our guide to pineal gland cysts: symptoms, MRI, and treatment.

Is the Pineal Gland the Third Eye?

The pineal gland is a physical part of the brain that produces melatonin.

In many forms of spirituality and contemplation, the third eye represents an internal understanding of oneself; a form of knowing through intuition; a means to know one’s self; an inner sense of self-awareness and connection to all things; a way to see beyond what is directly observable; a source for insight and reflection.

These two concepts are often connected in our society due to both the pineal gland being located near where we think the third eye is (physically), as well as it having symbolic representations historically. There has been no scientific study on this subject showing that the pineal gland provides humans with telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, etc., or any other “special” type of mental ability.

Just because you may have faith in your spiritual practice(s) does not mean that you cannot be objective about the results of medical studies.

Learn more in our guide to the pineal gland and the third eye.

Can You Improve Pineal Gland Function Naturally?

There is no proven way to “activate” or “unlock” the pineal gland.

However, you can support the body systems connected with melatonin and sleep through simple, healthy habits.

Try focusing on:

• Maintaining a regular sleep/wake schedule is important for maintaining an internal circadian rhythm.
• Daylight exposure has been shown to have beneficial effects on your mood, body temperature and hormone secretion; as well as helping you feel alert and awake.
• Dimming down the lighting in the evenings will help regulate your natural melatonin production (the hormone that makes us sleepy), making it easier to fall asleep at night.
• Participating in some type of daily physical activity can improve the quality of your sleep by regulating your hormones and improving your overall health.
• Eating foods in moderation, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, may also promote better sleeping patterns.
• Managing stress through activities like meditation or deep breathing exercises may aid in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation before bed.

Meditation may also help some people feel calmer and more aware. It can be a useful wellness practice, but it should not be presented as a treatment for pineal cysts, calcification, sleep disorders, or other medical conditions.

If you would like a simple practice, read our third-eye meditation for beginners.

When Should You Talk With a Doctor?

Talk with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about a brain scan, a pineal cyst, persistent sleep problems, or symptoms that affect your daily life.

Ask for medical advice if you have:

• New Finding on An MRI/CT Scan
• Sudden Severe Worsening Headaches
• Changes to Vision (Blurred, Double, etc.)
• Balance Problems / Coordination Issues
• Insomnia / Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
• Questions About Melatonin Supplements Or Medication Interactions

Do not use online information as a substitute for personal medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the pineal gland?

The pineal glands’ primary function is the production of melatonin. Melatonin regulates the timing of the body’s sleep-wake cycle.

Is the pineal gland a part of the brain?

Yes. The pineal gland is an endocrine gland that is found in the center of the brain and is relatively small in size.

Does the pineal gland produce melatonin?

Yes. The pineal gland produces melatonin when the body senses that it is dark.

Can pineal gland calcification produce symptoms?

While research continues, most studies have shown that pineal calcification by itself will rarely be a source for symptoms. However, if you have had your head scanned (MRI), the fact that there is calcium in your pineal may simply be an incidental finding.

Will I be able to de-calcify my pineal gland?

At this time, there are no established medical treatments which can remove natural pineal calcification. Be wary of products claiming detoxification or radical improvements in your health.

Is the pineal gland the same as the third eye?

No. The pineal gland is a physical part of the brain. The third eye is spiritual/symbolic conceptualization.

The Bottom Line

The pineal gland is one of the smallest glands in the brain and produces melatonin which can help to establish your sleep/wake cycle (circadian rhythm).

The pineal gland is frequently referenced along with other terms such as calcification, cysts, dreaming, meditation and third eye.

These references do not refer to the same thing. Medical facts need to be kept separate from spiritual beliefs and commercial advertising.

If you have health issues or concerns after receiving an imaging study, or if you continue to experience sleep disturbances, please contact a medical provider who has the education and training to assist you.

Sources and further reading

• Physiology of the Pineal Gland and Melatonin, Endotext, National Library of Medicine
  Useful for the pineal gland’s role in melatonin production, light-dark cycles, and circadian timing.
• Physiology, Pineal Gland, StatPearls, National Library of Medicine
  Useful for pineal gland anatomy, location, and its connection to the sleep-wake cycle.
• Pineal Gland: What It Is, Function and Disorders, Cleveland Clinic
  A patient-friendly overview of pineal gland function and related conditions.
• Pineal Gland Cysts Are Common but Don’t Normally Cause Headaches, Mayo Clinic
  Useful background on pineal cysts, including the fact that many are found incidentally on brain imaging.
• Pineal Gland Definition, National Cancer Institute

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