Hundreds of studies have suggested that melatonin supplementation is particularly helpful for individuals with sleep disorders and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But recent studies are showing that melatonin is also a potent antioxidant with the potential for treating cancer, improving immunity, increasing lifespan, relieving headaches, alleviating hot flashes in menopausal women, enhancing memory, and even treating depression and preventing gastric ulcers. Additionally, many believe that suppression of melatonin by light at night (experienced by night-shift workers) is a possible risk factor for developing a serious illness.
The appropriate dose of melatonin can vary enormously from person to person. Typically 0.5 to 3.0mg is the dosage range for most people. If the person feels they do not sleep well, they should increase their dose by 0.5 to 1mg until they find the dose that gets them to sleep well. If the user feels drowsy in the morning, cutting the dose they took in half is a better place to start.
Melatonin comes in many dosages and forms, including capsules, drops, tablets and even time-release forms. The best time to take melatonin is between 10:00-11:00pm and try to go to bed shortly after taking it.
-Dr. Leslie DeGasparis, ND