The Health Benefits of Melatonin

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is often taken in a pill form as an over-the-counter supplement to aid sleep.

Melatonin is frequently taken to alleviate difficulty falling or staying asleep, characteristic symptoms of insomnia, and there is a strong body of evidence support its use as a sleep aid in several populations including children and the elderly.

It is believed to be safe and effective for long term use with fewer side effects than commonly prescribed sleeping pills.

Hundreds of studies have shown that melatonin is a safe and effective sleep aid that is helpful in a wide population of benefits, including children, adults, people with chronic health conditions, and the elderly. Here are some additional potential health benefits of the supplement.

Melatonin may reduce the risk of eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 

In a small study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 100 patients with AMD were given 3 mg of melatonin daily for 6 to 24 months. Researchers found melatonin helped protect retinas from further damage in the majority of subjects.

According to the study authors, in addition to being a powerful antioxidant, melatonin may help control eye pigmentation and regulate the amount of light reaching the photoreceptors, protecting eyes from damage.  

According to research, many people with autism do not produce enough melatonin, resulting in sleep disturbances.

A 2014 review of several studies reported that melatonin not only improves sleep onset, quality, and duration, it is also associated with better daytime behaviors. The authors note, however, that more research is needed to determine the ideal dosage and timing of the sleep aid.

Jet lag is caused by rapid travel across several time zones, resulting in disturbed sleep, daytime fatigue, and a feeling of overall discomfort. Several studies have found melatonin to be effective in combating the symptoms of jet lag.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports using melatonin to reduce jet lag symptoms and improve sleep after traveling across more than one time zone.

For people who suffer from tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears, melatonin may bring some relief.

In a small study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, 61 patients with tinnitus who were given 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime reported a reduction in inner ear noise and improved quality of sleep after 30 days.

However, this was a small study and more research is needed.

Side effects of melatonin are uncommon but can include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, or nausea. No significant side effects have been reported in children.

It may cause morning hangover effects if the optimal dose is exceeded, but as it wears off, these symptoms should relent.

Melatonin appears to be safe when used short-term, but the lack of long-term studies means we don’t know if it’s safe for extended use.

There are no reports of a fatal overdose on melatonin alone.

Melatonin is available over-the-counter at many pharmacies and health supplement stores as tablets, lozenges, gummies, tinctures, and other preparations.

There is no daily recommended amount for melatonin, but it is typically sold in doses ranging from 1 mg to 10 mg.

Healthcare professionals typically recommend starting with the lowest doses and gradually increasing your intake until you find the amount that works for you. In research studies, 3 mg melatonin was the standard dose.

Melatonin plays a critical role in regulating our biological clock, or circadian rhythm and the timing of doses is important. It is normally produced in a part of the brain called the pineal gland and is released during the period of darkness from sundown to sunrise. When taken as an oral supplement, it reaches a maximum concentration in your blood after 30 minutes.

Most people should take melatonin in the evening before going to bed, but—curiously—there are others who should actually take it in the morning.

• For trouble falling asleep: Take melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime. 
• For night owls: People with delayed sleep phase syndrome may want to take melatonin several hours before the desired bedtime. For example, if you naturally fall asleep at 2 a.m., but you desire to go to bed at 11 p.m., you may consider taking it at as early as 9 p.m.
• For early birds: If you have symptoms of advanced sleep phase syndrome, where you wake up several hours too early, try taking it in the morning upon awakening. This condition is relatively rare, however, perhaps affecting less than 1 percent of people. If considering use in this way, consult with a sleep physician for guidance.

Melatonin is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As such, production and quality standards are not enforced, so the dose may actually vary from the listed strength.

When selecting a brand of supplements, look for products that have been certified by Consumer Labs, The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International. 

Is It Safe to Take Melatonin Every Night?

Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes naturally, and its use in a supplement form is also believed to be quite safe. It is not habit-forming, and you will not become addicted or dependent upon it. It can be used on a nightly basis without fear of adverse consequences.

If your insomnia persists, speak with a sleep specialist about other possible causes of your condition, including sleep apnea. It may also be important to consider other treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI). There are effective treatments available, so get the help that you need to end insomnia and sleep better.