We all need a deep and effective rest for our performance the next day, a life without stress and in the interest of maintaining long-term health. The demands of the modern world excuse many people from frequently interrupting this sleep cycle, but also from accumulating enough stress to produce, among its side effects, problems in getting a continuous and restful sleep.
The pharmaceutical industry has been able to manufacture resources to facilitate entry into that dream. At FastlyHealwe provide you with the necessary information to know one of these medications, it is melatonin for sleep: recommended dose and contraindications.
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What is melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone , called N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, which occurs naturally in our pineal gland located in the diencephalon, that is, practically in the center of the brain. This hormone is responsible for the vital function of regulating our body biorhythms and inducing drowsiness and deep sleep, at which time, in addition to resting and replenishing energy, our system is responsible for repairing and regenerating the nervous system and other tissues, always and when there is a correct scope of that restorative sleep (we reiterate this because not everyone who sleeps, sleeps deeply, or wakes up well rested and rested).
Due to the important role of this hormone, it is necessary to maintain optimal levels of melatonin production in the body, for which the following is suggested:
- Consumption of nuts, tomatoes, bananas and cherries, as they are direct sources of melatonin.
- For the production of this hormone in the body are necessary: tryptophan (chicken eggs, fish, meat and nuts), magnesium and vitamin B6.
- The secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland requires darkness, therefore, it is crucial to reduce artificial lights at night. This will give a stimulus to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus that will activate the sleep cycle.
- Studies have shown that exercising helps stimulate melatonin production, especially in the morning.
Melatonin for sleep and other applications
Its power to facilitate and improve our sleep is already clear. Now we are going to mention those ailments or diseases that this hormone helps to fight, either endogenous (produced naturally in the body) or exogenous (obtained through supplements) melatonin:
- Attention deficit and hyperactivity syndrome: by reducing chronic stress, product of the stabilization of the immune and nervous system and its functions, the person is more calm and connected to the here and now.
- Jetlag syndrome: for travelers who need to readjust their circadian rhythm more quickly after a flight.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: favors nighttime energy replacement.
- Fibromyalgia : helps repair chronic inflammation, be it muscular or nervous.
- Irritable bowel syndrome and stomach problems: by improving nighttime repair, it helps to better repair the common mucosa or intestinal barrier.
- Alzheimer’s: promotes neuro-regeneration.
- Headaches: stress is reduced and with it blood supply problems to the brain and brain inflammation.
- Anxiety.
- Other syndromes that are related to sleep.
Melatonin for sleep: recommended dose
Melatonin is sold with or without a prescription, depending on the country in question. Its most common presentation is in tablets of 0.3 to 3 mg. However, there are also sublingual and drop administration. This variety of doses and presentations serves as a warning that, although it is not a very delicate drug to use, the most appropriate thing would be to consult a doctor before ingestion. The dosage for its administration , according to its presentation, is as follows:
- Tablets (0.3 to 5mg): are prolonged release, so their administration is usually at noon, 1 tablet. Ingesting it too early could make you drowsy in the afternoon, and too late would prevent its full action.
- Sublingual Strips (1 mg): these dissolve slowly under the tongue, and have a more accelerated effect, thus being recommended for consumption at night, half an hour before going to bed.
- Liquid: to be supplied in drops. About 20 drops are suggested, which is roughly one gram of melatonin before bedtime.
- Mixtures: there are presentations in both tablets and strips, to which other ingredients are incorporated (eg: vitamin B6, magnesium, herbal extracts, among others) to improve their assimilation and effects. They are naturopathic products that are generally not standardized. Opportunity to remember that it is always better to consult your doctor in these cases before taking melatonin to sleep.
Contraindications of melatonin
The most frequent contraindications and warnings regarding the administration of melatonin are the following:
- Hypersensitivity to melatonin (allergy).
- In case of being pregnant or lactating, it should be taken with authorization and medical supervision.
- Its administration in children should be avoided as much as possible. Otherwise, check with your pediatrician first.
- Its consumption together with benzodiazepines (anxiolytics) is not recommended, as it can cause too much drowsiness.
- Not recommended in patients with bleeding, diabetes and in recent organ transplant recipients.
- Avoid consuming in parallel with drugs against high blood pressure.
- Medical supervision is urged in cases of liver and / or kidney failure.
- In case of clinical depression, consult your doctor.
- Avoid drinking alcohol along with melatonin.
Side effects of melatonin
Among the possible side effects (very rare) of melatonin, besides sleepiness, they are:
- Dizziness
- Depression.
- Irritability.
- Asthenia (weakness).
- Constipation or diarrhea.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Melatonin for sleep: recommended dose and contraindications , we recommend that you enter our category of Mental disorders .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.