What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone produced by a part of the brain called the pineal gland. It helps regulate the sleep cycle by telling the body when it is time to go to sleep and when it is time to wake up.
Melatonin is available as a supplement in pill form. There are two types: natural and synthetic (man-made). Natural melatonin is made from the pineal gland of animals. This form could be contaminated with a virus, so it is not recommended. The synthetic form of melatonin does not carry this risk. The label on the pill bottle should indicate the type. If you are unsure, check with a pharmacist or doctor before taking it.
Melatonin is sold over the counter in health food stores and pharmacies in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these types of supplements. It is not officially approved by the FDA for any indication. For this reason, its purity, safety, and success cannot be guaranteed. However, the American Academy of Family Physicians still considers it a treatment for insomnia.
Path to better health
Most people take melatonin to treat sleep disorders. The most common is insomnia, which is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It can also be taken to prevent or treat jet lag. The usual adult dosage ranges from 0.3 mg to 5 mg before bed. Lower doses often work as well as higher doses.
Read the directions on the pill bottle label. They will tell you how much melatonin to take and how often to take it. If you have questions about taking the supplement, call your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t take more than the recommended amount. Taking more melatonin doesn’t make it work faster or better. An overdose of any medication can be dangerous.
Keep track of all the medicines and supplements you take and when you take them. Bring this list with you when you go to the doctor. Ask your doctor if you can take melatonin if:
- Take other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
- Has persistent health problems
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not clear what effect melatonin may have on a fetus or nursing infant.
Store melatonin out of the reach and sight of children. Store medications and supplements in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent them from losing effectiveness before their expiration date. Don’t store them in bathrooms, which are often hot and humid.
Things to consider about melatonin
There is little scientific evidence that melatonin has a role in promoting health or treating disease. Nor has it been shown to slow the aging process or prolong life.
Some people who take melatonin experience side effects, including:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- A feeling of heavy head
- Nausea
- Feeling hungover
- Depression
More studies are needed to learn more about the side effects of melatonin, especially delayed or long-term effects. It is not known whether melatonin causes problems when taken with other medications. It is also not known whether melatonin affects people with certain diseases and conditions.
Questions to ask your doctor
- How do I know if I should take melatonin supplements?
- Is it better to take melatonin short-term or long-term?
- Is melatonin safer or less safe to take than other over-the-counter or prescription medications?
- Is melatonin safe for children?
