Melatonin is a hormone essential for sleep. The brain makes melatonin when it is dark or in dim light; therefore, at night, melatonin is produced and excreted to initiate sleep onset. Its level will drop after falling asleep or when there is light exposure. In the elderly, melatonin production decreases, making it more difficult to fall asleep than younger people.
At present, melatonin is available as a tablet or capsule, which can be taken to relieve insomnia or sleep disorders and sleep-wake cycles as follows:
- For people with insomnia or who have difficulty falling asleep, resulting in waking up late and unrefreshed, melatonin helps to make them feel sleepy faster. However, no evidence that melatonin can improve sleep quality and duration.
- Alertness from jet lag can be damped down so usual bedtime can resume.
- Blind children and adults with circadian rhythm sleep disorders because they lack light stimulation for melatonin production can take melatonin to improve their sleep.
- Children with disabilities that may affect their sleep can fall asleep more easily by taking melatonin. However, establishing good sleep habits is crucial for the body to wind down and set the stage for a restful night of quality sleep at a regular bedtime.
- For people with alzheimer's disease taking melatonin to aid in sleeping may also alleviate time confusion.
- Currently, no evidence taking melatonin can increase daytime sleep quality in people who work night shifts.
Always consult your doctor or your child’s pediatrician before starting melatonin.
