ATI Practical Nurse (PN) Comprehensive Exit Practice Exam 2025 - Free PN Exam Questions and Study Guide

Melatonin is a hormone that plays a significant role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. It is primarily produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness and helps signal the body that it is time to sleep. In middle-aged adults, including females, melatonin supplementation has been shown to improve sleep quality and help with sleep onset, making it particularly beneficial for those dealing with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.

The effectiveness of melatonin in promoting improved sleep is well supported by research, which indicates that it can assist in enhancing both the duration and quality of sleep. This can be especially valuable for middle adult females who may experience changes in sleep patterns due to hormonal fluctuations or stress.

While melatonin may have some secondary effects, such as influencing anxiety levels and possibly contributing to overall well-being, its primary and most well-documented effect is on sleep improvement. Therefore, noting its utility in helping patients achieve better sleep outcomes reinforces the choice of improved sleep as the correct answer.