Melatonin and Sleep

Melatonin, often referred to as the sleep hormone, is a central part of the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Its production increases with evening darkness, promoting healthy sleep and helping to orient the body’s circadian rhythm.

The body naturally produces melatonin, but researchers and the public have increasingly taken an interest in external sources of it, such as liquids or capsules, as a way to address sleep difficulties. In the United States, melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement, and a 2012 survey by the National Institutes of Health found it to be one of the most commonly used supplements among both adults Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference and children Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference .

Studies have found that melatonin can improve sleep in certain cases, but it is not for everyone. It is important to be aware of and carefully consider melatonin’s potential benefits and downsides. People who want to use melatonin supplement should also be aware of issues related to dosage and the quality of supplements.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and then released into the bloodstream. Darkness prompts the pineal gland to start producing melatonin while light causes that production to stop. As a result, melatonin helps regulate the circadian rhythm and synchronize the sleep-wake cycle with night and day. In doing so, it facilitates a transition to sleep Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference and promotes consistent, quality rest.

Melatonin created within the body is known as endogenous melatonin, but the hormone can also be produced externally. Exogenous melatonin is normally made synthetically Trusted Source National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NICCH) NCCIH funds and conducts research to help answer important scientific and public health questions about complementary health approaches. See Full Reference in a laboratory and, as a dietary supplement, is most often sold as a pill, capsule, chewable, liquid, or patch.

Can Melatonin Supplements Improve Sleep?

It is well-established that melatonin produced by the body plays a fundamental role in getting quality sleep, so it’s natural to consider whether melatonin supplements can be used to address sleeping difficulties.

Research to date has shown that melatonin supplements may be useful in certain situations for both adults and children.

Melatonin in Adults

In adults, research studies have found the clearest potential benefits from melatonin are for people who have sleeping problems related to delayed sleep-wake phase disorder and jet lag.

Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder in which a person’s sleep schedule is shifted later, often by a matter of hours. For people with this “night owl” schedule, it can be hard to get enough sleep if they have obligations, such as work or school, that force them to wake up early in the morning. Studies have indicated that low doses of melatonin taken before the desired bedtime can help people with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder adjust their sleep cycle forward Trusted Source American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) The AAP and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. See Full Reference .

Related: The Best Melatonin Supplements

Jet lag can occur when a person travels rapidly across multiple time zones, such as on an intercontinental flight, because their body’s internal clock becomes misaligned with the local day-night cycle. Evidence from small research studies points to melatonin supplements as potentially helping to reset the sleep-wake cycle and improve sleep in people with jet lag.

Shift workers — people who work during the night — often struggle with sleep difficulties related to a misaligned circadian rhythm. Studies of melatonin in shift workers have had inconclusive results, although some people report a benefit.

There is debate about whether melatonin is beneficial in otherwise healthy adults who have insomnia, a persistent condition marked by trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. The existing research is not conclusive. Some experts reviewing it find some evidence in favor of melatonin Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference while organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) have concluded that there is not sufficient scientific support Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference for melatonin in reducing insomnia.

For most adults, melatonin has few notable side effects, so even when its benefits may not be clearly established, some people with sleeping problems may be inclined to try it. The best practice is to consult a doctor and have an in-depth conversation about the benefits and risks before taking melatonin.

Melatonin in Children

Melatonin may be helpful in children with sleeping problems, but experts generally agree that more research is needed to understand its optimal use in young people.

Several research studies have indicated that melatonin may help children with sleeping difficulties fall asleep more quickly Trusted Source National Institutes of Health (NIH) The NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. See Full Reference . It may also improve their total sleep time Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference . The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that melatonin may be beneficial as a short-term tool Trusted Source National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NICCH) NCCIH funds and conducts research to help answer important scientific and public health questions about complementary health approaches. See Full Reference to help children adjust to a healthier sleep schedule and establish good sleep habits.

Evidence from small studies has indicated that melatonin may be especially useful in children with certain conditions including epilepsy Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference and some neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder Trusted Source National Institutes of Health (NIH) The NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. See Full Reference .

Almost all reviews of the existing science acknowledge that additional research will be needed to clarify key issues about the use of melatonin in children including the optimal dosage and duration of use as well the risks of long-term side effects.

Because of the uncertainties that remain regarding melatonin’s use by children, the AAP recommends that parents work closely with their child’s doctor before administering melatonin supplements.

Additional Steps to Improve Sleep

People with sleep problems can benefit from taking steps to develop healthy sleep habits. Even if melatonin offers relief, improving your sleep routines and environment can promote better sleep quality.

• Optimize your sleep hygiene: Sleep hygiene refers to behaviors that affect sleep quality for better or worse. Guidelines for healthy sleep hygiene include going to bed and waking up at the same times each day, abstaining from caffeine and alcohol in the hours leading up to bed, and maintaining a quiet, relaxing bedroom environment that is conducive to relaxation. It may also help to invest in a better mattress and new bedding.

• Limit your screen time in the evening: Cellphones, tablets, televisions, and computers all feature screens that emit blue light, which can interfere with the circadian rhythm that guides your sleep cycle. Studies have shown that reducing your exposure to screened devices can help you fall asleep more easily.

• Schedule quick afternoon naps: Napping is an effective way for sleep-deprived people to catch up on their daily sleep allotment. However, long naps can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep at your normal bedtime. Naps that last between 10 to 20 minutes are considered ideal because they are long enough to help you feel refreshed afterward without allowing you to enter the deep sleep stages of your sleep cycle.

• Talk to your doctor: Speaking with a doctor about melatonin and sleep problems can also help reveal whether a person has an underlying sleep disorder. For example, discussing poor sleep issues or excessive sleepiness may uncover a problem like sleep apnea. Melatonin is not a therapy for sleep apnea, but in this scenario, working with the doctor can lead to more appropriate and effective treatments.

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Side Effects of Melatonin

Short-term use of melatonin has relatively few side effects and is well-tolerated by the majority of people who take it. The most commonly reported side effects  Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference are daytime drowsiness, headaches, and dizziness, but these are experienced by only a small percentage of people who take melatonin.

In children, the reported side effects of short-term use are similar as in adults. Some children may experience agitation or an increased risk of bedwetting when using melatonin.

For both children and adults, talking with a doctor before taking melatonin can help prevent possible allergic reactions or harmful interactions with other medications. People taking anti-epilepsy and blood thinning medications, in particular, should ask their physician about potential drug interactions.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends against melatonin use in people with dementia, and there is little research about its safety in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

There is also very little data about the long-term effects of melatonin supplements in children or adults. There is some concern that sustained use of melatonin could affect the onset of puberty in children, but research so far is inconclusive Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference . Because the long-term effects are unknown, people should maintain an ongoing conversation with their doctor about using melatonin and the quality of their sleep and overall health.

What Is the Appropriate Dosage of Melatonin?

There is no consensus about the optimal dosage of melatonin, although most experts advise to avoid extremely high dosages. A typical dose in supplements is between 1 and 5 milligrams Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. See Full Reference , but whether this is appropriate for any specific person depends on factors like their age and sleep problems. When melatonin supplements list dosages in micrograms, 1,000 micrograms is equivalent to 1 milligram.

Some people experience daytime sleepiness when using melatonin as a sleep aid. If you experience this, it could be that your dosage is too high. It is advisable to start with the lowest dosage possible and work your way up gradually under the supervision of your doctor.

Read: How Much Melatonin Should I Take?

Dosages above 5 milligrams are not recommended for children. Typical doses for children start at 1 to 2 milligrams, depending on the diagnosed sleep issue. Young people may respond to smaller doses, and some studies have found benefits to lower doses in adults as well.

Oral supplements can bring the levels of melatonin in the blood to levels much higher than is normally produced by the body. For example, dosages between 1 to 10 milligrams Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. See Full Reference can raise melatonin concentrations to anywhere from 3 to 60 times typical levels. For this reason, people taking melatonin should use caution before ingesting high doses.

How to Choose Melatonin Supplements

Melatonin is sold in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and not as a medication. This is a vital distinction because it means that melatonin products are not closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A wide range of brands with varying formulations and dosages are available over-the-counter in groceries and drugs stores, but there are important quality differences to look out for. A study that reviewed 31 melatonin supplements found major inaccuracies in dosage information Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference , and 71% of the tested products were not within 10% of their listed dosage. An incorrect dose of melatonin can have meaningful consequences Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. See Full Reference including a higher risk of side effects and reduced supplement effectiveness.

Some products labeled as only containing melatonin contained impurities or other compounds, such as serotonin, that can pose health risks. Melatonin is often combined with magnesium, valerian root, or other natural sleep aids in supplements, which may further affect the accuracy of dosages and labeling.