Melatonin and how to use melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone in the body that plays a role in sleep. The brain's production and release of melatonin is linked to the time of day, increasing at night and decreasing in the morning. Melatonin production in the body decreases with age.
Melatonin is also available as a dietary supplement, usually in pill or capsule form. Most melatonin supplements are made in a lab.
Melatonin is often used to treat sleep disorders, such as insomnia or fatigue due to body dysmorphic syndrome when changing time zones quickly

Research on the use of melatonin shows a role in disorders such as:
Circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Melatonin can help improve circadian rhythm disorders in both children and adults. Late sleep phase (late sleep-wake phase sleep disorder). In this disorder, sleep is delayed by two hours or more than usual, causing you to fall asleep later and wake up later. Research shows that melatonin reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and promotes sleep onset in adults and children with Insomnia. Research shows that melatonin may slightly decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, but its impact on sleep quality and total sleep time is unclear. Melatonin may be more beneficial for older adults with melatonin deficiency. Body dysmorphic syndrome caused by time zone changes. Evidence shows that melatonin can improve symptoms of time zone fatigue, such as daytime alertness and sleepiness. Sleep disturbance in shift workers. It's not clear whether melatonin can improve daytime sleep quality and duration in people whose jobs require working outside of a traditional morning-to-night schedule. Sleep disorders in children. Small studies have suggested melatonin might help treat sleep disturbances in children with certain disabilities. However, creating a good bedtime routine is often recommended as an initial treatment. Research shows that melatonin can reduce confusion and restlessness in the evening in people with Alzheimer's disease, but it doesn't seem to improve cognition.

The body can produce enough melatonin for its needs. However, evidence shows that melatonin supplements promote sleep and are safe for short-term use. Melatonin can be used to treat late sleep stages, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, and help relieve insomnia. Use melatonin with caution as with any sleeping pill.

Melatonin taken orally in appropriate doses is generally safe. Melatonin can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. Less common side effects of melatonin may include a short-lasting feeling of depression, mild tremors, irritability, mild anxiety, abdominal cramps, decreased alertness, confusion, or disorientation.
Because melatonin can cause daytime drowsiness, do not drive or use machines within five hours of taking it. Do not use melatonin if you have an autoimmune disease.

Possible drug interactions with melatonin include:
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, herbs and supplements. Herbal medicines and dietary supplements that reduce blood clotting. Combining melatonin use with these medications may increase the risk of bleeding. Anticonvulsants. Melatonin can inhibit the effects of anticonvulsants and increase the frequency of seizures, especially in children with neurological defects. Blood pressure medication. Melatonin may worsen blood pressure in people taking blood pressure medications. Drugs that depress the central nervous system. Using melatonin with these drugs may cause an increased sedative effect. Diabetes medication. Melatonin can affect blood sugar. Birth control pills. Using birth control pills with melatonin can cause a sedative effect and increase the possible side effects of melatonin. Metabolized via cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and cytochrome P450 2C19 (CPY2C19). Use melatonin with caution if taken with medicines such as diazepam and others that are affected by these enzymes. Fluvoxamine (Luvox). This medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder may increase melatonin levels in the body, causing unwanted excessive sleepiness. Immunosuppressive drugs. Melatonin may stimulate immune function and influence immunosuppressive therapy. Drugs that lower the seizure threshold. These medications, if taken with melatonin, may increase the risk of seizures. Melatonin is a hormone in the body that plays a role in sleep. You can supplement through functional foods to achieve the best effect.

Reference source: mayoclinic.org