Can melatonin help with sleep disorders?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the body by the pineal gland and plays an important role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Synthetic melatonin is not recommended for everyone as a supplement to improve sleep. But for will it is recommended?

Melatonin can help reset your body’s internal clock after traveling across time zones. It is often used to improve sleep and reduce jet lag symptoms. People with delayed sleep phase disorder have trouble falling asleep early in the evening and often sleep until late in the morning or afternoon. Melatonin can help shift your sleep cycle to an earlier time.

For people who work nights and need to sleep during the day, melatonin can help your body adjust to an irregular sleep schedule. Melatonin may also be helpful for some people with insomnia, especially older adults, as natural melatonin production decreases with age. It can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.

Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use. Possible side effects include daytime sleepiness, headaches, dizziness, and mood swings. Less is known about its safety for long-term use and high doses. It is always advisable to consult a doctor before using melatonin, especially if you are taking other medications or have health conditions.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/melatonin-side-effects/faq-20057874

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-07-15 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025