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Melatonin Tablets and Pills

Melatonin is a hormone made by the body that helps regulate our internal clock and sleep schedule. It is also available as an over-the-counter supplement. Melatonin supplements can be useful for some people to use for short periods of time to help with sleep problems. These supplements come in different doses and forms, including gummies, tablets, capsules, and liquids. A wide variety of melatonin supplements are available for purchase in stores or online at Walgreens.

What is melatonin?

In its natural form, melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain. It plays a role in regulating hormones, managing our internal clock, and helping with sleep. Melatonin is also available in supplement form, and many people choose to take melatonin supplements to try and help with sleep problems. There is evidence that melatonin can help with sleep for some people, but it may not work for everyone and it should not be used for long periods of time.

How does melatonin work?

Melatonin is released in our bodies in response to the time of day. Melatonin production increases when it becomes dark and decreases when it’s light again. It helps tell our bodies that it’s time for sleep and plays an important role in managing our sleep and wake cycle. Melatonin supplements work by providing external melatonin to the body to help some people fall asleep faster, sleep better, and feel more alert in the morning. Most people produce enough melatonin for proper sleep on their own, but melatonin supplements can be useful for certain populations. People experiencing < ahref="https://blog.walgreens.com/health/general-health/jet-lag-causes-symptoms-and-prevention.html">jetlag and those living with certain health conditions may benefit from short-term melatonin supplementation.

What does melatonin do?

Melatonin supplements often help people have a better night’s sleep, adjust their sleep cycle, and feel more well-rested the following day. It can help improve quality of life for some people struggling with issues such as jetlag or people living with conditions such as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, which causes severe trouble falling asleep and waking up at normal times. These supplements appear to be effective for many people, but not everyone will benefit from melatonin supplementation. If you are unsure about taking melatonin, speak with your healthcare provider or a pharmacist to help choose the best option for you.

Is melatonin safe?

Short-term melatonin use is generally safe for most people when taken in low doses. It is best to start with a small dose of one to three milligrams (mg). Different people may need different doses of melatonin, and Walgreens offers melatonin supplements in a variety of doses to meet your needs. Speak with a healthcare provider before giving melatonin to children, and be sure to read labels carefully to make sure children are taking a small dose of less than 5 mg.

In order to determine if melatonin is helpful for you, try taking a small dose for a week or two, and stop if you don’t feel a benefit. If it does help, it’s generally safe to use regularly for one to two months. However, there is limited research regarding the effects of long-term melatonin use, so avoid using melatonin for extended periods of time.

Melatonin may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. Do not take melatonin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain conditions such as depression or an autoimmune disorder. Tell your healthcare provider what medications you are taking before you begin using melatonin, as some medications should not be taken with this supplement.

How much melatonin should I take?

Melatonin is available in many different doses, usually ranging from one mg to 10 mg. These doses are all available at Walgreens, and can be taken in tablet, gummy, capsule, or liquid form to suit your needs and preferences. It’s best to start with a small dose of melatonin, and speak with your healthcare provider if you’re interested in increasing your dose of melatonin. If a healthcare provider approves melatonin for a child, optimal doses are between one and five mg depending on age. Melatonin usually works best if taken about two hours before bedtime.

Is it okay to take melatonin every night?

Melatonin appears to be safe to take nightly for up to a month or two, but it should not be used long-term unless recommended by your healthcare professional. Consider trying melatonin for the occasional sleep issue and see if your sleep gets better on its own after that. If you have been using melatonin for more than a week or two and don’t feel that your sleep is improving, stop taking the supplement and speak with your healthcare provider about your concerns.

Melatonin can be a helpful option for some people struggling with sleep, and there are plenty of melatonin supplements to choose from in stores or online at Walgreens. Consider using Walgreens pharmacy chat to contact a pharmacist expert 24/7 with questions.