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[Next stop: Better care for kids who need it](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/next-stop-better-care-for-kids-who-need-it.html) - [Improving access to blood cancer care in minority communities](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/improving-access-to-blood-cancer-care-in-minority-communities.html) - [Improving access to leukemia & lymphoma care](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/improving-access-to-leukemia-and-lymphoma-care.html) - [From patients to advocates How Myeloma Link helps Black communities](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/from-patients-to-advocates-how-myeloma-link-helps.html) - [Beating breast cancer through early detection](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/beating-breast-cancer-through-early-detection.html) - [The navigator who guides breast cancer patients](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/the-navigator-who-guides-breast-cancer-patients.html) - [“The Vaccine Lady” holds a key to health equity](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/the-vaccine-lady-holds-a-key-to-health-equity.html) - [Helping breast cancer patients get quality healthcare](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/helping-breast-cancer-patients-get-quality-healthcare.html) - [The power of a three-minute phone call](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/the-power-of-a-three-minute-phone-call.html) - [Expanding access to care with the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Initiative](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/expanding-access-to-care-with-covid-19-vaccine-equity.html) - [Fighting the invisible epidemic of diabetes](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/fighting-the-invisible-epidemic-of-diabetes.html) - [Bringing vaccines to every community](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/bringing-vaccines-to-every-community.html) - [Helping expectant mothers get quality prenatal healthcare](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/helping-expectant-mothers-get-quality-prenatal-healthcare.html) - [AAPI healthcare challenges and solutions](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/aapi-healthcare-challenges-and-solutions.html) - [Kids get better healthcare access thanks to your Red Nose Day donations](https://blog.walgreens.com/community-stories/kids-get-better-healthcare-access-thanks-to-your-red-nose-day-do.html) - [Buying Guides](https://blog.walgreens.com/buying-guides.html) - [Acid reflex medicine: OTC options for your symptoms](https://blog.walgreens.com/buying-guides/Acid-reflex-medicine-OTC-options-for-your-symptoms.html) - [How to choose an over-the-counter pain reliever](https://blog.walgreens.com/buying-guides/how-to-choose-an-over-the-counter-pain-reliever-2.html) - [How to choose an over-the-counter allergy medication](https://blog.walgreens.com/buying-guides/how-to-choose-an-over-the-counter-allergy-medication.html) - [Constipation relief: A guide to OTC laxatives and other options](https://blog.walgreens.com/buying-guides/Constipation-relief-A-guide-to-OTC-laxatives-and-other-options.html) - [Guide to menstrual care: Find the right supplies](https://blog.walgreens.com/buying-guides/Guide-to-menstrual-care-Find-the-right-supplies.html) - [What to look for in a probiotic](https://blog.walgreens.com/buying-guides/What-to-look-for-in-a-probiotic.html) 1. [Home - The Thread](https://blog.walgreens.com/content/content-hub/us/en/homepage.html) 2. ... 3. [Wellness](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness.html) 4. [Sleep](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep.html) 5. Melatonin safety What you need to know  Wellness # Melatonin safety: What you need to know By Amy Magill, MA, RDN May 16, 2025 • 4 min *** Melatonin is a hormone found naturally in the body. It helps control your sleep patterns. Light affects how much melatonin the body produces. In the evening, the body releases more melatonin to prepare you for [sleep](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep.html). By early morning, melatonin levels drop to prepare the body for being awake. Melatonin is found in a number of [foods](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/melatonin-from-food.html). It’s also sold as a [dietary supplement](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/vitamins-and-supplements/ID=359441-tier1) to help promote restful sleep. ## Is melatonin safe? [Melatonin supplements](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/melatonin/ID=361711-tier3) appear to be generally safe for most people when used occasionally and for a short time. However, less is known about the long-term safety of melatonin supplements. Some adults who take melatonin experience side effects. These may include: - Headaches - Daytime sleepiness - Dizziness - Nausea or upset stomach - Irritability - Short-term feelings of depression - Vivid dreams or nightmares Because melatonin can cause drowsiness, don’t drive or use machinery within five hours of taking the supplement. ## How much melatonin is safe? Typical doses of melatonin for adults range from 0.3 mg to 5 mg. Supplements are typically taken 30 minutes before bedtime. However, your healthcare provider may recommend different doses for you based on the reason you’re using it. If you have questions about how to take melatonin, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Be sure to follow the directions on the melatonin supplement label. This will tell you how much melatonin to take and how often to take it. Don’t take more than the recommended amount unless directed by your healthcare provider. Taking more melatonin doesn’t make it work faster or better, and it may even be harmful. ## Is it safe to take melatonin every night? Melatonin is unlikely to be habit-forming and appears to be safe for most people when used on a short-term basis. ## Is melatonin safe during pregnancy? Not enough is known about the safety of melatonin when used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Until more is known, it's best not to use melatonin while pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. ## Is melatonin safe for kids? Melatonin supplements appear to be safe for most children over 5 years old for short-term use, but less is known about the long-term effects. For example, because melatonin is a hormone, there are concerns about how it might impact development or puberty. Melatonin supplements are not recommended for children under 5 years old. Your healthcare provider may suggest other solutions and behavioral bedtime habits for younger children. Potential side effects of melatonin supplements in children include: - Drowsiness - Increased bedwetting or urination in the evening - Headaches - Dizziness - Agitation Melatonin should not be a substitute for healthy sleep habits. If you’re considering taking a melatonin supplement to help you sleep, check with your healthcare provider first, especially if you have a health condition or take medication. Melatonin can interact with certain drugs, including those taken for birth control, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes. As with other dietary supplements, melatonin isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness. Be sure to discuss the potential benefits and risks of a melatonin supplement with your provider so they can help decide if it’s right for you. Updated by Julie McDaniel, MSN, RN, CRNI, May 2025. **Sources:** 1. [http://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com](http://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/) 2. <https://familydoctor.org/melatonin/> 3. <https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know> 4. <https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-for-children> 5. <https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin> 6. <https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-side-effects> ## Explore more [](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/insomnia-in-women-what-you-should-know.html) [Wellness](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness.html) [Insomnia in women: What you should know](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/insomnia-in-women-what-you-should-know.html) 9 min By Jenilee Matz, MPH Feb 07 [](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/too-much-sleep-hurts.html) [Wellness](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness.html) [Too much sleep hurts](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/too-much-sleep-hurts.html) 4 min Updated by Julie McDaniel, MSN, RN, CRNI Mar 12 [](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/sleep-aids-and-natural-remedies-for-insomnia.html) [Wellness](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness.html) [Sleep aids and natural remedies for insomnia](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/sleep-aids-and-natural-remedies-for-insomnia.html) 7 min By Nancy Kupka, PhD, RN Sep 05 To Top [](https://blog.walgreens.com/content/content-hub/us/en/homepage.html) [Visit Walgreens.com](https://www.walgreens.com/) [Visit Walgreens.com](https://www.walgreens.com/) ### [Health](https://blog.walgreens.com/health.html) - 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Wellness By Amy Magill, MA, RDN May 16, 2025 • 4 min Melatonin is a hormone found naturally in the body. It helps control your sleep patterns. Light affects how much melatonin the body produces. In the evening, the body releases more melatonin to prepare you for [sleep](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep.html). By early morning, melatonin levels drop to prepare the body for being awake. Melatonin is found in a number of [foods](https://blog.walgreens.com/wellness/sleep/melatonin-from-food.html). It’s also sold as a [dietary supplement](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/vitamins-and-supplements/ID=359441-tier1) to help promote restful sleep. Is melatonin safe? [Melatonin supplements](https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/melatonin/ID=361711-tier3) appear to be generally safe for most people when used occasionally and for a short time. However, less is known about the long-term safety of melatonin supplements. Some adults who take melatonin experience side effects. These may include: - Headaches - Daytime sleepiness - Dizziness - Nausea or upset stomach - Irritability - Short-term feelings of depression - Vivid dreams or nightmares Because melatonin can cause drowsiness, don’t drive or use machinery within five hours of taking the supplement. How much melatonin is safe? Typical doses of melatonin for adults range from 0.3 mg to 5 mg. Supplements are typically taken 30 minutes before bedtime. However, your healthcare provider may recommend different doses for you based on the reason you’re using it. If you have questions about how to take melatonin, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Be sure to follow the directions on the melatonin supplement label. This will tell you how much melatonin to take and how often to take it. Don’t take more than the recommended amount unless directed by your healthcare provider. Taking more melatonin doesn’t make it work faster or better, and it may even be harmful. Is it safe to take melatonin every night? Melatonin is unlikely to be habit-forming and appears to be safe for most people when used on a short-term basis. Is melatonin safe during pregnancy? Not enough is known about the safety of melatonin when used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Until more is known, it's best not to use melatonin while pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Is melatonin safe for kids? Melatonin supplements appear to be safe for most children over 5 years old for short-term use, but less is known about the long-term effects. For example, because melatonin is a hormone, there are concerns about how it might impact development or puberty. Melatonin supplements are not recommended for children under 5 years old. Your healthcare provider may suggest other solutions and behavioral bedtime habits for younger children. Potential side effects of melatonin supplements in children include: - Drowsiness - Increased bedwetting or urination in the evening - Headaches - Dizziness - Agitation Melatonin should not be a substitute for healthy sleep habits. If you’re considering taking a melatonin supplement to help you sleep, check with your healthcare provider first, especially if you have a health condition or take medication. Melatonin can interact with certain drugs, including those taken for birth control, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes. As with other dietary supplements, melatonin isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness. Be sure to discuss the potential benefits and risks of a melatonin supplement with your provider so they can help decide if it’s right for you. Updated by Julie McDaniel, MSN, RN, CRNI, May 2025.