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Melatonin
The hormone your brain releases in the evening to signal that it's time to sleep. Supplements mainly help shift the timing of sleep rather than knock you out.
Commonly used for
- Jet lag
- Shift work and shifted sleep schedules
- Trouble falling asleep
- A body clock that runs late (delayed sleep phase)
Found naturally in
- Your own brain makes it, especially in darkness
- Small amounts in tart cherries, pistachios, and eggs
Label red flags
- No third-party testing (melatonin content often doesn't match the label)
- High-strength products marketed as 'extra strength' (more isn't better for sleep timing)
Check with a provider
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Autoimmune conditions or immune-suppressing medicines (melatonin affects immune activity)
- Taking blood thinners, seizure medicines, diabetes medicine, or sedatives
- Depression (it may worsen symptoms in some people)
- Next-day grogginess. Don't drive until you know how it affects you.
Supplements that contain it
Brand nameProduct nameSleep formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameJet lag productsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameSleep formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameJet lag productsComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameSleep formulasComing soon
Brand nameProduct nameJet lag productsComing soon
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
Wondering if your symptoms fit a pattern?
Dr. Lesher is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in women's autoimmune and chronic conditions. Since 2020, she has helped more than 900 patients overcome and heal from their conditions.