HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest The Ideal Dosage Of Melatonin Taken For Insomnia

default
Posted on Mon, 23 May 2016
Question: Is it good to take melatonin every night?

Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement every night to help me sleep?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Some information:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Melatonin has been used for insomnia for up to 29 months (this is based on how long it was used in research) safely, and has been used in the blind for up to 6 years.

So it is ok to use it every night if it helps you.

However, if the reason you have difficulty falling or staying asleep is due to anxiety, such as anxiety during the day that carries over into the night, an antidepressant/antianxiety medication such as an SSRI medication may be helpful, for example Lexapro. This may help with ongoing anxiety that interferes with sleep. So if you think that applies to you, consider seeing your doctor or a psychiatrist.

Mindful breathing and relaxation exercises before bed can help too.

But if melatonin works well for your needs, then it is ok to continue it on an ongoing basis.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest The Ideal Dosage Of Melatonin Taken For Insomnia

Brief Answer: Some information: Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Melatonin has been used for insomnia for up to 29 months (this is based on how long it was used in research) safely, and has been used in the blind for up to 6 years. So it is ok to use it every night if it helps you. However, if the reason you have difficulty falling or staying asleep is due to anxiety, such as anxiety during the day that carries over into the night, an antidepressant/antianxiety medication such as an SSRI medication may be helpful, for example Lexapro. This may help with ongoing anxiety that interferes with sleep. So if you think that applies to you, consider seeing your doctor or a psychiatrist. Mindful breathing and relaxation exercises before bed can help too. But if melatonin works well for your needs, then it is ok to continue it on an ongoing basis. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.