Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. It's also used as a supplement to treat various sleep-related problems.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally made by the pineal gland in your brain. It plays an important role in managing your circadian rhythm, your internal clock that signals when to sleep and wake up. Melatonin supplements, available in synthetic form, are commonly taken to support restful sleep. These are available as oral pills or as sublingual forms that dissolve under the tongue or cheek for faster absorption.
What are the Uses of Melatonin Tablets?
Melatonin is mainly used to treat sleep issues, but it also helps manage other conditions like jet lag, anxiety, and seasonal depression.
Though primarily used for sleep regulation, melatonin may also support mood disorders, reduce oxidative stress, and help manage symptoms in neurological conditions.
How Does a Melatonin Tablet Work (Mechanism of Action)?
Melatonin works with your body's internal clock to promote sleep, especially when natural melatonin levels are low or disrupted.
Melatonin signals to your brain that it's time to rest. It's usually released when it gets dark, helping you feel sleepy. Supplements mimic this natural signal, helping those with insomnia, jet lag, or irregular work schedules fall asleep more easily. It doesn't knock you out, but it helps your body relax and prepare for sleep.
Melatonin dosage depends on the individual and the condition being treated. Always follow your doctor's guidance.
Dosage Guidelines of Melatonin
Melatonin is available in various dosage forms to suit different age groups and individual preferences. These include:
Dosage Form
Description
Common Use
Tablets
Standard oral form; usually available in 1 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
Used for general sleep disorders
Capsules
Similar to tablets; often in sustained or extended-release forms
Suitable for long-lasting sleep support
Sublingual Tablets
Placed under the tongue for faster absorption
For faster sleep onset
Gummies
Chewable form, often flavored; popular in pediatric use
Convenient for children or those avoiding pills
Liquid (Oral Drops/Syrup)
Easy to administer; available in various concentrations
Often used for children or elderly
Sprays
Usually oral or nasal; absorbed quickly
For rapid sleep induction
Extended-Release Tablets
Releases melatonin slowly over time
For those with trouble staying asleep
How to Use Melatonin?
Start with a lower dose of 0.5 mg (500 micrograms) or 1 mg 30 minutes before bed.
If you don't feel any improvement, you may gradually increase to 3-5 mg.
Avoid taking higher doses, as it will not enhance sleep quality.
Aim for the lowest effective dosage to help you fall asleep.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Melatonin?
If you miss a dose of melatonin, do not take it unless you have at least 7 to 8 hours available for sleep.
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Use melatonin only when you are unable to sleep, as directed.
What Happens If I Take an Overdose?
Taking too much melatonin may lead to extreme drowsiness or serious health concerns. Seek immediate help if symptoms occur.
While serious side effects are uncommon, contact a healthcare provider if you notice any unusual or persistent symptoms.
Precautions for Melatonin
Consult your doctor if you are allergic to melatonin or any other medications.
Be aware of inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions.
Discuss any serious allergic reactions or other health problems with your doctor before using melatonin.
Who Should Avoid Melatonin?
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or planning to breastfeed, it is best to avoid taking melatonin.
There is not enough research to confirm its safety for you and your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Melatonin can pass into breast milk in small amounts and may make your baby more sleepy.
Always consult a doctor before taking melatonin if you intend to breastfeed.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Melatonin?
Melatonin can be used in children, but only under strict medical supervision to ensure proper dosage and safety. It is not recommended for individuals under 18 or over 65 to self-medicate, as age-specific health conditions and sensitivities may require personalised medical guidance for safe and effective use.
Alcohol or Food Interactions
Melatonin should not be combined with alcohol, as it can worsen side effects and interfere with sleep regulation.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or heavy meals before taking melatonin, as these can reduce its effectiveness or increase drowsiness.
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Melatonin can interact with other medications or herbal supplements, so always consult your doctor before combining it with anything. It may interact with:
Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort or Valerian root
How Should Melatonin Be Stored?
Heat, air, and light can damage medicines and reduce their effectiveness.
Exposure to damaged medicine may lead to harmful effects on health.
Medicines should be stored safely and kept out of the reach of children.
The ideal storage temperature is at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Melatonin vs Zolpidem
Melatonin
Zolpidem
Melatonin is a hormone that is released by the pineal gland to the brain. To encourage restful sleep, people may also take it as a natural or synthetic supplement.
Zolpidem is a prescription medication that comes in the form of an oral tablet and an oral spray. There are three types of oral tablets: immediate-release, extended-release, and sublingual.
Melatonin hormone produced by the pineal gland which regulates the sleep cycle. Melatonin may be used to treat Alzheimer's disease and withdrawal of benzodiazepines or nicotine.
Zolpidem is used in adults to treat insomnia. It helps you fall asleep faster if you have trouble falling asleep, allowing for a better night's rest.
Taking melatonin supplements every night is healthy, but only for the short term. In your sleep-wake cycle, melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a part.
For insomnia: Most researchers have used 2 mg to 3 mg of melatonin prior to bed for up to 29 weeks. For shorter durations, higher doses of up to 12 mg daily were also used (up to 4 weeks). For insomnia that occurs in conjunction with other conditions: 2-12 mg was used for up to 4 weeks.
The results of several laboratory studies and clinical trials indicate that the circadian and seasonal patterns of melatonin secretion are disrupted in the case of obesity. Lower levels of melatonin secretion will increase appetite in the autumn-winter cycle and contribute to weight gain.
Keep in mind that melatonin does not have much of a daytime presence, as it occurs naturally in the body, so if you take melatonin too close to morning (such as if you wake up at 4 am and erroneously take some to get back to sleep) whole day you can get sleep and feel drowsy.
Melatonin may interact with medications like blood thinners, antidepressants, or blood pressure drugs. Always consult your doctor before combining them.
Melatonin usually starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking it. It helps your body prepare for sleep by signaling it's bedtime.
For most adults, 1-5 mg daily is enough. Taking more than 10 mg may cause side effects. Always use the lowest effective dose and follow medical advice.
Melatonin doesn't need refrigeration. Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture to keep it effective.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep. Melanin is a pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. They are not related in function.
In rare cases, melatonin may cause side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or muscle weakness. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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