Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the human biological clock.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Cluster Headache | Take under medical supervision: 10 mg daily in the evening |  [2 stars] Taking melatonin before bedtime has been shown to reduce the frequency of cluster headaches. |
Depression | .25 to 10 mg daily under medical supervision | [2 stars] Melatonin might help relieve depression. However, there is a possibility that it could exacerbate depression, so it should only be used for this purpose under a doctor’s supervision. |
Hypertension | Take under medical supervision: 2 mg daily of sustained-released supplment at night | [2 stars] For people with nighttime hypertension, supplementing with melatonin may reduce nighttime systolic blood pressure. |
Insomnia | Take under medical supervision: 0.5 to 3.0 mg daily one to two hours before bedtime | [2 stars] Taking melatonin before bedtime may help reset your body’s internal clock.
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Insomnia and Tinnitus | Take under medical supervision: 3 mg dailly at bedtime | [2 stars] Supplementing with melatonin may improve sleep quality and relieve other symptoms of severe tinnitus. |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Take under medical supervision: 3 mg daily at bedtime | [2 stars] Melatonin helps regulate gastrointestinal function and sensation. In one trial, people with irritable bowel syndrome who took melatonin experienced significantly less severe abdominal pain. |
Jet Lag | Take under medical supervision: 0.5 mg daily at bedtime for four days after arriving at your destination | [2 stars] Taking melatonin at bedtime may improve sleep quality and daytime alertness. |
Macular Degeneration | Take under medical supervision: 3 mg daily at bedtime | [2 stars] In one trial, melatonin improved eye abnormalities in the majority of cases. It appears to work by regulating eye pigmentation and by functioning as an antioxidant. |
Schizophrenia and Sleep Disturbances | Take under medical supervision: 2 mg daily of a controlled-release preparation before bedtime | [2 stars] Supplementing with melatonin appears to improve sleep quality and duration in people with schizophrenia. |
Tardive Dyskinesia | Take under medical supervision: 10 mg daily at bedtime | [2 stars] Taking melatonin may help reduce abnormal movements. |
Age-Related Cognitive Decline | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Cognitive function is linked to adequate sleep and normal sleep-wake cycles, which are partially regulated by the hormone melatonin. The long-term effects of melatonin are unknown, use under a doctor’s supervision. |
Epilepsy | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] A small, preliminary trial found that melatonin improved sleep and improved seizure symptoms among children with one of two rare seizure disorders. |
Fibromyalgia | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced tender points and improved sleep in people with fibromyalgia. |
Glaucoma | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Supplementing with melatonin lowered intraocular pressure of healthy people in one study. |
Migraine Headache | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Pineal gland function and melatonin secretion may be disturbed in people with migraine headaches. Taking melatonin may correct this problem and reduce symptoms. |
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2014.