Melatonin is the hormone that signals darkness to the body. It is sold freely in some countries as a supplement, but in the UK it is a prescription-only medicine — which surprises a lot of people who have bought it abroad or online.
In the UK, modified-release melatonin is licensed for short-term insomnia in adults aged 55 and over, and separately for insomnia in children and adolescents with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder where sleep hygiene measures have not worked.
It is sometimes prescribed off-label for jet lag and shift-work sleep problems, and by specialists in other situations.
Melatonin bought online or brought back from abroad is not a UK-licensed medicine. Strength and content are not guaranteed, and importing it for personal use sits in a grey area. If you think it would help, ask your GP.
Modified-release tablets are usually taken one to two hours before bed, after food, and swallowed whole — not crushed or chewed, which destroys the modified release.
It is intended for short-term use in adults, typically up to 13 weeks. In children, use is specialist-guided and reviewed regularly.
It works best combined with consistent sleep timing, dim light in the evening and no screens in the last hour — melatonin supports the body clock rather than sedating you.
Generally well tolerated. Headache, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea are the more common effects.
Do not drive until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol.
Tell your prescriber if you have an autoimmune condition, epilepsy, liver problems, or take fluvoxamine, oestrogens, carbamazepine or warfarin.
For insomnia lasting more than about three months, cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment and is available on the NHS.
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