Insomnia Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Melatonin Supplements for Sleep
A popular dietary supplement, melatonin is claimed to treat insomnia, jet lag, and other sleep disorders. But does it actually work? Various sleep disorders do seem to improve with melatonin supplementation. However, some sleep disorders appear to be more responsive to it than others. For example, the supplement seems to be quite effective for treating circadian rhythm disorders in blind people, while it may be less effective for treating sleeping problems associated with shift work.
(For more information on this supplement, including how it is thought to work for sleep disorders, click Melatonin.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD