Melatonin is a neurohormone produced naturally by the pineal gland, primarily responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. As a dietary supplement, exogenous melatonin is widely used to address sleep disorders, circadian rhythm disruptions, and certain neurological conditions. Its chronobiotic properties make it a cornerstone in both preventive and therapeutic sleep medicine, offering a non-habit-forming alternative to conventional hypnotics. This product card provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview for healthcare professionals and informed consumers.

Features

• Synthetic melatonin identical to endogenous human hormone
• Available in immediate-release, extended-release, and sublingual formulations
• Standardized purity exceeding 99%
• Typically vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO excipients
• Produced under cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Third-party tested for heavy metals and contaminants

Benefits

• Synchronizes circadian rhythms disrupted by jet lag, shift work, or irregular schedules
• Reduces sleep onset latency and improves sleep efficiency
• Provides antioxidant and neuroprotective effects
• Supports immune modulation and inflammatory response
• Non-addictive with minimal risk of dependency or withdrawal
• May alleviate certain types of headache and mood disorders linked to sleep dysregulation

Common use

Melatonin is primarily indicated for the short-term management of insomnia, particularly sleep onset insomnia. It is also clinically used for jet lag disorder, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD), and shift work sleep disorder. Off-label uses include adjunct therapy in neurodegenerative conditions, migraine prophylaxis, and reducing preoperative anxiety. In pediatric populations, it is sometimes used under medical supervision for sleep disturbances associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dosage and direction

Dosage should be individualized based on indication, age, and formulation. For adult insomnia: 1–5 mg taken 30–60 minutes before bedtime. For jet lag: 0.5–5 mg taken close to target bedtime at destination, starting 1–2 days before travel. Extended-release formulations are preferable for sleep maintenance insomnia. Sublingual tablets may offer faster onset. Pediatric dosing must be determined by a healthcare provider. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Use for more than 3 months should be medically supervised.

Precautions

Avoid activities requiring alertness (e.g., driving) within 4–5 hours after ingestion. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment, depression, epilepsy, or autoimmune disorders. May cause drowsiness the following day. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Discontinue use at least two weeks prior to elective surgery. Long-term effects on reproductive hormones and development are not fully established.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to melatonin or any component of the formulation. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis (unless under specialist supervision). Patients taking immunosuppressive therapy. Severe hepatic impairment. Children under 3 years of age (unless prescribed by a pediatric specialist).

Possible side effects

Common: daytime drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea. Less common: vivid dreams, nightmares, irritability, mild anxiety, transient hypotension. Rare: hypothermia, reduced sperm motility, altered glucose metabolism. Most side effects are dose-dependent and resolve upon discontinuation or dose reduction.

Drug interaction

Melatonin may interact with:

• Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) – increased bleeding risk
• Anticonvulsants (e.g., valproate, phenytoin) – may reduce seizure threshold
• CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids) – additive sedation
• Fluvoxamine – increases melatonin bioavailability
• Blood pressure medications – may potentiate hypotensive effects
• Diabetes medications – may affect glucose levels
• Immunosuppressants – may counteract intended effects
• Oral contraceptives – may increase melatonin levels

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, skip it and resume the regular schedule the next day. Do not double the dose. Taking melatonin late may disrupt the next day’s wakefulness and circadian rhythm.

Overdose

Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, and hypothermia. There is no known antidote. Treatment is supportive: ensure airway protection, monitor vital signs, and consider activated charcoal if ingestion was recent. Gastric lavage is generally not indicated. Contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture. Keep bottle tightly closed. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Discard after expiration date printed on packaging.

Disclaimer

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new supplement.

Reviews

Clinical studies and meta-analyses generally support melatonin’s efficacy for sleep onset latency and jet lag. User reviews often highlight improved sleep quality and ease of waking, though individual responses vary. Some report minimal effect, possibly due to formulation, timing, or underlying health issues. Consistency in timing and dose appears critical for optimal results.