Melatonin Supplements: A Science-Backed Approach to Managing Sleep Disorders
Melatonin is a hormone produced in response to darkness and helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Melatonin supplements are used to manage insomnia, delayed sleep phase, jet lag, and sleep restriction disorders.
Primary Sleep Disorders: Melatonin reduces sleep onset time, especially effective in delayed sleep phase syndrome.
Secondary Sleep Disorders: Slight improvements in sleep time and efficiency, but not sleep onset latency.
Sleep Restriction: Marginal improvements in total sleep time.1
Melatonin for Preventing and Treating Jet Lag
Jet lag can disturb circadian rhythms. A Cochrane review found melatonin (0.5–5 mg) effective for travelers crossing ≥5 time zones, especially eastward.2
Practical Recommendations
Recommended Use
Contraindications & Precautions
Clinical Indications
FAQ for Professionals
Not necessarily. While 0.5–5 mg is generally safe, dosage should be individualized based on response.
Short-term use is well-tolerated. Long-term use should be monitored by a healthcare provider.
No. Melatonin is non-habit-forming and doesn't cause physical dependency like prescription sleep aids.
REFERENCES
1- Buscemi, N., et al. (2004). Melatonin for Treatment of Sleep Disorders. AHRQ Publication No. 05‐E002‐1.
2- Herxheimer, A., & Petrie, K. J. (2002). Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. Cochrane Database, 2002(2), CD001520. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001520