Patient Education Library
Designed for both clinicians and the general public, these handouts provide practical, evidence-informed guidance that blends conventional medicine with complementary strategies. Within each handout you have the option to share or download a PDF.
Melatonin
WHAT IS IT?
Melatonin is an antioxidant hormone made in the brain in response to darkness. Melatonin regulates certain genes within every cell of the body making it important in cellular antioxidation, cell repair, and regulation of cell growth. Melatonin is involved in sleep, circadian rhythm and the immune system of the body. It is naturally present in flax, orange bell peppers, walnuts, almonds, tomatoes, goji berries, tart cherries and raspberries.
Melatonin is suppressed by certain medications and by too much light at night. With the rise of 24-hour lights in our cities along with lights from electronics in our homes while we sleep, the health effects of insufficient melatonin are becoming more important.
WHO MIGHT CONSIDER TAKING THIS?
Melatonin has been found to be beneficial for:
- Jet lag
- Insomnia (both adults and children)
- Cancer survival
- Migraine and cluster headaches
- Alzheimer's
- Parkinson’s
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- GERD
- Crohn’s and Ulcerative
- Colitis
- Endometriosis
- PCOS
- Infertility
- PMS/PMDD
The most common complaint with melatonin is that it can increase dream intensity or grogginess in the morning. Typically these side effects can both be improved by decreasing the dosage. The most common mistake people make with melatonin is beginning at too high of a dosage. As it can cause sleepiness, taking melatonin at night is recommended.
MEDICATION INTERACTION:
Melatonin can cancel out the effect of the blood pressure medications called calcium channel blockers (Nifedipine, Amlodipine). Please monitor your blood pressure closely and alert your doctor if you notice elevations if you take melatonin and a calcium channel blocker for high blood pressure.
PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
There are several forms of melatonin including capsules, timed-release capsules, gummies, or sublingual drops/sprays/tablets.
- For helping to fall asleep or for jetlag: Start with 0.5–1mg of an immediate release preparation up to 30 minutes before bed is generally best. Some do best taking it 2–3 hours before bedtime so if at first you find it doesn’t work then try taking it earlier in the night before you increase the dose. Doses above 5mg don’t seem to increase the effectiveness for helping fall asleep.
- To help stay asleep: A timed-release (extended release or sustained release) form is best and usually comes in 1–3mg dosages. This ensures that the melatonin is released in the middle of the night to help reduce night time awakenings.
- For improving cancer outcomes: 20mg (only when added to chemo or radiotherapy)
- Migraine headache: 3–8mg
- Cluster headache: 10mg
- IBS: 3mg at night or 3mg at night and 5mg in morning
- GERD: 6mg at night
- IBD (UC and Crohn’s): 5mg IR (only when added to current medications)
- Endometriosis: 10mg
- PCOS: 3–6mg
- Infertility: 3mg
- PMS/PMDD: 3mg
- Alzheimer’s: 2.5–10mg
- Parkinson’s: 10–20mg
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, nor does it establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in the content.
Find an Integrative Provider or Coach Near You
Search for integrative physicians and health experts. Partner with Andrew Weil Center-trained integrative providers who value your well-being, combine evidence-based methods to improve your health and merge conventional and natural approaches to address your mind, body, and spirit.
Visit the Tucson Clinic
Experience comprehensive care from Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine clinic physicians, who offer expert consultations for various medical conditions while providing tailored recommendations for disease prevention.
Interested in becoming an integrative practitioner?
Ready to take the next step in your healing career? Discover how our educational offerings can help you blend science, compassion, and whole-person care. Enroll in our integrative health programs and gain the tools to combine modern medicine with holistic healing.
What is Integrative Medicine
Transform medicine and embrace whole person healthcare with an online course, in-person event, certificate program, or fellowship in integrative medicine.