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| Boilerpipe Text | Key facts
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in your brain.
It helps to control your sleep cycle — your levels of melatonin increase when it's dark.
Melatonin can also be prescribed as a medicine for some people.
If you are having trouble sleeping you should see your doctor.
Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on whether melatonin is right for you.
On this page
What is melatonin?
What is the role of melatonin?
What happens if I have too little melatonin?
What happens if I have too much melatonin?
How can I adjust my melatonin levels?
What are melatonin supplements used for?
When should I see my doctor?
Tips for taking melatonin
What are the possible side effects of taking melatonin?
Resources and support
Related information on Australian websites
What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a
hormone
produced by the
pineal gland
in your brain. It's carried in your blood to the rest of your body.
This hormone plays a role in managing your circadian (day and night) rhythm. Your melatonin levels are about 10 times higher at night than during the day. This helps control when you
sleep
.
Your melatonin levels are also seasonal. Levels of melatonin are higher in the autumn and winter when the nights are longer.
What is the role of melatonin?
Melatonin plays a role in your body's sleep and wake cycle.
Your melatonin levels increase about 2 hours before you go to sleep. This helps to get your body ready for sleep.
What happens if I have too little melatonin?
Too little melatonin can lead to sleep problems. In some studies, low levels of melatonin have also been seen in people with dementia.
Low levels of melatonin are also seen in people with:
severe pain
type 2 diabetes
cancer
some
mood disorders
Your body's natural melatonin level tends to go down as you get older.
What happens if I have too much melatonin?
If you have too much melatonin, you are likely to:
have a reduced body temperature
become drowsy (sleepy)
You should not take melatonin before driving or operating machinery because it causes sleepiness.
How can I adjust my melatonin levels?
Exposure to light during the night can lower the amount of melatonin you make and release.
If you feel sleepy during the day, you should go out into the sunlight. This will help your body adjust your melatonin levels.
Blue light has been shown to reduce or delay the production of melatonin in the evening.
Electronic back-lit devices emit blue light, including:
smartphones
tablets
readers
computers
fluorescent lights
LED lights
Blue light can particularly make children vulnerable to sleep problems.
Good sleep hygiene
Good sleep hygiene can improve the quantity and quality of your sleep.
Try to do the following each day:
go outdoors and expose yourself to sunlight
get
regular exercise
don't
smoke or vape
avoid
caffeine
in the afternoon and evening
Developing good sleep habits is also very important. Try to:
have a regular night routine
take 30 minutes to wind down before bed and unplug from devices
dim your lights
only use your bed for sleep and sex
Learn more about
sleep tips for children
.
What are melatonin supplements used for?
Melatonin supplements can help reset your 'body clock' and sleep and wake at the right times.
This can help if you:
have travelled overseas and have
jet lag
do shift work
have age associated
insomnia
(problems sleeping)
Supplements can help you fall asleep at night and stay asleep for longer.
Melatonin is usually used for short-term sleep problems or to reset your body clock after shift work or jet lag.
If you have long-term sleep problems, see your doctor. There are other things you can do to help you sleep and further tests may be needed.
Very high levels of melatonin have an
antioxidant
effect. Antioxidants are thought to help stop the health issues caused by free radicals.
A form of melatonin is used to help treat depression.
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor before you start taking
melatonin
. They will talk with you about your reasons for wanting to take melatonin. There are many reasons why you may have difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep.
They will also check that melatonin does not react with any other medicines that you take.
Your doctor will tell you how much melatonin to take and how often. It's normal to start with a low dose to see how your body responds. This also helps to lower your chance of having
side effects
.
If you're aged over 55 years, you can buy a slow-release form of melatonin
over the counter
. All other people need a prescription.
In Australia, melatonin can be used to treat insomnia in children with
autism spectrum disorder
, when other methods haven't worked.
Tips for taking melatonin
Taking melatonin doesn't work as well if you drink alcohol or smoke when using it.
Do not take other herbal remedies that encourage sleep at the same time as taking melatonin. This could make you very drowsy.
Don't use melatonin if you're pregnant, as its effect on your baby is not known.
Speak to your doctor about taking melatonin if you're breastfeeding.
Melatonin shouldn't be given to children under 2 years of age.
What are the possible side effects of taking melatonin?
Like all medicines, melatonin can cause side effects. Some of the side effects from taking too much melatonin as a supplement are:
daytime sleepiness
headaches
nausea
(feeling sick)
dizziness
in rare cases
mood swings
While side effects in children are very rare, melatonin should only be used when suggested and prescribed by their healthcare professional.
Although melatonin is available online in various forms, it is strongly advised that children only use prescription-only formulations. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a
safety alert
about concerns over imported counterfeit melatonin.
We don't know much about the long-term use of melatonin in children.
Resources and support
If you are having trouble sleeping, ask your
pharmacist
or
doctor
if taking melatonin is a good option for you.
MindSpot's Sleep Course
is a free, online program designed to help you improve your sleep.
The
Sleep Health Foundation
provides information about insomnia and links to online resources and programs to assist you. They have information on
sleep health
and melatonin and sleep.
The
Health Resource Directory
has advice on good sleep habits in
Chinese
,
Arabic
and
Vietnamese
.
Visit the
Australian Psychological Association
for more information on getting help and treatment for insomnia.
THIS WAY UP
is a free online program which uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you deal with insomnia.
If your child is having trouble sleeping, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on
1800 882 436
or
video call
. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on
1800 022 222
(known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
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[beginning of content]()
# Melatonin
*8-minute read*
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## Key facts
- Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in your brain.
- It helps to control your sleep cycle — your levels of melatonin increase when it's dark.
- Melatonin can also be prescribed as a medicine for some people.
- If you are having trouble sleeping you should see your doctor.
- Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on whether melatonin is right for you.
## On this page
- [What is melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#what-is)
- [What is the role of melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#role)
- [What happens if I have too little melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#too-little)
- [What happens if I have too much melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#too-much)
- [How can I adjust my melatonin levels?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#adjust-levels)
- [What are melatonin supplements used for?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#supplements)
- [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#doctor)
- [Tips for taking melatonin](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#tips)
- [What are the possible side effects of taking melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#side-effects)
- [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#resources)
- [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#searchGeneralResults)
## What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a [hormone](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/endocrine-glands-and-their-hormones) produced by the [pineal gland](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/pineal-gland) in your brain. It's carried in your blood to the rest of your body.
This hormone plays a role in managing your circadian (day and night) rhythm. Your melatonin levels are about 10 times higher at night than during the day. This helps control when you [sleep](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep).
Your melatonin levels are also seasonal. Levels of melatonin are higher in the autumn and winter when the nights are longer.
## What is the role of melatonin?
Melatonin plays a role in your body's sleep and wake cycle.
Your melatonin levels increase about 2 hours before you go to sleep. This helps to get your body ready for sleep.
## What happens if I have too little melatonin?
Too little melatonin can lead to sleep problems. In some studies, low levels of melatonin have also been seen in people with dementia.
Low levels of melatonin are also seen in people with:
- severe pain
- [type 2 diabetes](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/type-2-diabetes)
- [cancer](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cancer)
- some [mood disorders](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mood-disorders)
Your body's natural melatonin level tends to go down as you get older.
## What happens if I have too much melatonin?
If you have too much melatonin, you are likely to:
- have a reduced body temperature
- become drowsy (sleepy)
You should not take melatonin before driving or operating machinery because it causes sleepiness.
## How can I adjust my melatonin levels?
Exposure to light during the night can lower the amount of melatonin you make and release.
If you feel sleepy during the day, you should go out into the sunlight. This will help your body adjust your melatonin levels.
Blue light has been shown to reduce or delay the production of melatonin in the evening.
Electronic back-lit devices emit blue light, including:
- smartphones
- tablets
- readers
- computers
- fluorescent lights
- LED lights
Blue light can particularly make children vulnerable to sleep problems.
### Good sleep hygiene
Good sleep hygiene can improve the quantity and quality of your sleep.
Try to do the following each day:
- go outdoors and expose yourself to sunlight
- get [regular exercise](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tips-for-getting-active)
- don't [smoke or vape](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping)
- avoid [caffeine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/caffeine) in the afternoon and evening
Developing good sleep habits is also very important. Try to:
- have a regular night routine
- take 30 minutes to wind down before bed and unplug from devices
- dim your lights
- only use your bed for sleep and sex
Learn more about [sleep tips for children](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-tips-for-children).
## What are melatonin supplements used for?
Melatonin supplements can help reset your 'body clock' and sleep and wake at the right times.
This can help if you:
- have travelled overseas and have [jet lag](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/jet-lag)
- do shift work
- have age associated [insomnia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insomnia) (problems sleeping)
Supplements can help you fall asleep at night and stay asleep for longer.
Melatonin is usually used for short-term sleep problems or to reset your body clock after shift work or jet lag.
If you have long-term sleep problems, see your doctor. There are other things you can do to help you sleep and further tests may be needed.
Very high levels of melatonin have an [antioxidant](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antioxidants) effect. Antioxidants are thought to help stop the health issues caused by free radicals.
A form of melatonin is used to help treat depression.
## When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor before you start taking [melatonin](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/medicinal-product/aht,21183/melatonin). They will talk with you about your reasons for wanting to take melatonin. There are many reasons why you may have difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep.
They will also check that melatonin does not react with any other medicines that you take.
Your doctor will tell you how much melatonin to take and how often. It's normal to start with a low dose to see how your body responds. This also helps to lower your chance of having [side effects](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicine-and-side-effects).
If you're aged over 55 years, you can buy a slow-release form of melatonin [over the counter](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/over-the-counter-medicines). All other people need a prescription.
In Australia, melatonin can be used to treat insomnia in children with [autism spectrum disorder](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/autism), when other methods haven't worked.
## Tips for taking melatonin
Taking melatonin doesn't work as well if you drink alcohol or smoke when using it.
Do not take other herbal remedies that encourage sleep at the same time as taking melatonin. This could make you very drowsy.
Don't use melatonin if you're pregnant, as its effect on your baby is not known.
Speak to your doctor about taking melatonin if you're breastfeeding.
Melatonin shouldn't be given to children under 2 years of age.
## What are the possible side effects of taking melatonin?
Like all medicines, melatonin can cause side effects. Some of the side effects from taking too much melatonin as a supplement are:
- daytime sleepiness
- [headaches](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/headaches)
- [nausea](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nausea) (feeling sick)
- [dizziness](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dizziness)
- in rare cases [mood swings](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/managing-mood-swings)
While side effects in children are very rare, melatonin should only be used when suggested and prescribed by their healthcare professional.
Although melatonin is available online in various forms, it is strongly advised that children only use prescription-only formulations. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a [safety alert](https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/safety-monitoring-and-information/safety-alerts/safety-concerns-over-imported-counterfeit-melatonin-products) about concerns over imported counterfeit melatonin.
We don't know much about the long-term use of melatonin in children.
## Resources and support
- If you are having trouble sleeping, ask your [pharmacist](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/getting-the-most-out-of-your-pharmacist) or [doctor](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/the-role-of-a-gp) if taking melatonin is a good option for you.
- [MindSpot's Sleep Course](https://www.mindspot.org.au/treatments/sleep-course/) is a free, online program designed to help you improve your sleep.
- The [Sleep Health Foundation](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-categories/insomnia) provides information about insomnia and links to online resources and programs to assist you. They have information on [sleep health](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/all-healthy-sleep) and melatonin and sleep.
- The [Health Resource Directory](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/en/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/) has advice on good sleep habits in [Chinese](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/zh/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/), [Arabic](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/ar/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/) and [Vietnamese](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/vi/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/).
- Visit the [Australian Psychological Association](https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/insomnia) for more information on getting help and treatment for insomnia.
- [THIS WAY UP](https://thiswayup.org.au/programs/insomnia-program/) is a free online program which uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you deal with insomnia.
If your child is having trouble sleeping, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on [1800 882 436](tel:1800882436) or [video call](https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/video-call). Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on [1800 022 222](tel:1800022222) (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
#### Sources:
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research *[(Melatonin: What you need to know)](https://www.woolcock.org.au/pdf/Resources/Melatonin.pdf "Melatonin: What you need to know")*, You and Your Hormones *[(Melatonin)](https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/melatonin/ "Melatonin")*, Sleep Health Foundation *[(Melatonin)](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/melatonin "Melatonin")*, Sleep Health Foundation *[(Melatonin and Children)](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/melatonin-and-children "Melatonin and Children")*, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) *[(Melatonin shown to reduce some mental health disorders)](https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/melatonin-shown-to-reduce-some-mental-health-disor "Melatonin shown to reduce some mental health disorders")*, The Scientific World Journal *[(Neurobiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Melatonin Deficiency and Dysfunction)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3354573/ "Neurobiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Melatonin Deficiency and Dysfunction")*, NHS *[(About melatonin)](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/about-melatonin/ "About melatonin")*, NHS *[(Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin)](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-melatonin/ "Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking melatonin")*, Sleep Foundation *[(Mastering Sleep Hygiene: Your Path to Quality Sleep)](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene "Mastering Sleep Hygiene: Your Path to Quality Sleep")*, Sleep Foundation *[(How Electronics Affect Sleep)](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-electronics-affect-sleep "How Electronics Affect Sleep")*
Learn more here about the [development and quality assurance of healthdirect content](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content).
Last reviewed: June 2025
[Back To Top](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#backToTop)
## Search our site for
- [Sleep](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/search-results/Sleep "Search results for: Sleep")
- [Insomnia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/search-results/Insomnia "Search results for: Insomnia")
- [Pineal Gland](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/search-results/Pineal%20Gland "Search results for: Pineal Gland")
## Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
General search results
Results for medical professionals
Top results
[Safety concerns over imported counterfeit melatonin products \| Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) We are issuing an updated safety advisory regarding imported counterfeit unregistered melatonin products. *Read more on TGA website* ](https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/safety-monitoring-and-information/safety-alerts/safety-concerns-over-imported-counterfeit-melatonin-products)
[Melatonin \| Sleep Health Foundation This is a fact sheet about Melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain and plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. *Read more on Sleep Health Foundation website* ](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/melatonin)
Show more
Top results
[For cancer patients, what are the benefits and risks of taking the hormone melatonin? \| Cochrane *Read more on Cochrane Australia website* ](https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD010145_cancer-patients-what-are-benefits-and-risks-taking-hormone-melatonin)
Show more
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Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
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| Readable Markdown | ## Key facts
- Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in your brain.
- It helps to control your sleep cycle — your levels of melatonin increase when it's dark.
- Melatonin can also be prescribed as a medicine for some people.
- If you are having trouble sleeping you should see your doctor.
- Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on whether melatonin is right for you.
## On this page
- [What is melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#what-is)
- [What is the role of melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#role)
- [What happens if I have too little melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#too-little)
- [What happens if I have too much melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#too-much)
- [How can I adjust my melatonin levels?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#adjust-levels)
- [What are melatonin supplements used for?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#supplements)
- [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#doctor)
- [Tips for taking melatonin](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#tips)
- [What are the possible side effects of taking melatonin?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#side-effects)
- [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#resources)
- [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/melatonin#searchGeneralResults)
## What is melatonin?
Melatonin is a [hormone](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/endocrine-glands-and-their-hormones) produced by the [pineal gland](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/pineal-gland) in your brain. It's carried in your blood to the rest of your body.
This hormone plays a role in managing your circadian (day and night) rhythm. Your melatonin levels are about 10 times higher at night than during the day. This helps control when you [sleep](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep).
Your melatonin levels are also seasonal. Levels of melatonin are higher in the autumn and winter when the nights are longer.
## What is the role of melatonin?
Melatonin plays a role in your body's sleep and wake cycle.
Your melatonin levels increase about 2 hours before you go to sleep. This helps to get your body ready for sleep.
## What happens if I have too little melatonin?
Too little melatonin can lead to sleep problems. In some studies, low levels of melatonin have also been seen in people with dementia.
Low levels of melatonin are also seen in people with:
- severe pain
- [type 2 diabetes](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/type-2-diabetes)
- [cancer](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cancer)
- some [mood disorders](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mood-disorders)
Your body's natural melatonin level tends to go down as you get older.
## What happens if I have too much melatonin?
If you have too much melatonin, you are likely to:
- have a reduced body temperature
- become drowsy (sleepy)
You should not take melatonin before driving or operating machinery because it causes sleepiness.
## How can I adjust my melatonin levels?
Exposure to light during the night can lower the amount of melatonin you make and release.
If you feel sleepy during the day, you should go out into the sunlight. This will help your body adjust your melatonin levels.
Blue light has been shown to reduce or delay the production of melatonin in the evening.
Electronic back-lit devices emit blue light, including:
- smartphones
- tablets
- readers
- computers
- fluorescent lights
- LED lights
Blue light can particularly make children vulnerable to sleep problems.
### Good sleep hygiene
Good sleep hygiene can improve the quantity and quality of your sleep.
Try to do the following each day:
- go outdoors and expose yourself to sunlight
- get [regular exercise](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tips-for-getting-active)
- don't [smoke or vape](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping)
- avoid [caffeine](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/caffeine) in the afternoon and evening
Developing good sleep habits is also very important. Try to:
- have a regular night routine
- take 30 minutes to wind down before bed and unplug from devices
- dim your lights
- only use your bed for sleep and sex
Learn more about [sleep tips for children](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep-tips-for-children).
## What are melatonin supplements used for?
Melatonin supplements can help reset your 'body clock' and sleep and wake at the right times.
This can help if you:
- have travelled overseas and have [jet lag](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/jet-lag)
- do shift work
- have age associated [insomnia](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/insomnia) (problems sleeping)
Supplements can help you fall asleep at night and stay asleep for longer.
Melatonin is usually used for short-term sleep problems or to reset your body clock after shift work or jet lag.
If you have long-term sleep problems, see your doctor. There are other things you can do to help you sleep and further tests may be needed.
Very high levels of melatonin have an [antioxidant](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/antioxidants) effect. Antioxidants are thought to help stop the health issues caused by free radicals.
A form of melatonin is used to help treat depression.
## When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor before you start taking [melatonin](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/medicinal-product/aht,21183/melatonin). They will talk with you about your reasons for wanting to take melatonin. There are many reasons why you may have difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep.
They will also check that melatonin does not react with any other medicines that you take.
Your doctor will tell you how much melatonin to take and how often. It's normal to start with a low dose to see how your body responds. This also helps to lower your chance of having [side effects](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicine-and-side-effects).
If you're aged over 55 years, you can buy a slow-release form of melatonin [over the counter](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/over-the-counter-medicines). All other people need a prescription.
In Australia, melatonin can be used to treat insomnia in children with [autism spectrum disorder](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/autism), when other methods haven't worked.
## Tips for taking melatonin
Taking melatonin doesn't work as well if you drink alcohol or smoke when using it.
Do not take other herbal remedies that encourage sleep at the same time as taking melatonin. This could make you very drowsy.
Don't use melatonin if you're pregnant, as its effect on your baby is not known.
Speak to your doctor about taking melatonin if you're breastfeeding.
Melatonin shouldn't be given to children under 2 years of age.
## What are the possible side effects of taking melatonin?
Like all medicines, melatonin can cause side effects. Some of the side effects from taking too much melatonin as a supplement are:
- daytime sleepiness
- [headaches](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/headaches)
- [nausea](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nausea) (feeling sick)
- [dizziness](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dizziness)
- in rare cases [mood swings](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/managing-mood-swings)
While side effects in children are very rare, melatonin should only be used when suggested and prescribed by their healthcare professional.
Although melatonin is available online in various forms, it is strongly advised that children only use prescription-only formulations. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued a [safety alert](https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/safety-monitoring-and-information/safety-alerts/safety-concerns-over-imported-counterfeit-melatonin-products) about concerns over imported counterfeit melatonin.
We don't know much about the long-term use of melatonin in children.
## Resources and support
- If you are having trouble sleeping, ask your [pharmacist](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/getting-the-most-out-of-your-pharmacist) or [doctor](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/the-role-of-a-gp) if taking melatonin is a good option for you.
- [MindSpot's Sleep Course](https://www.mindspot.org.au/treatments/sleep-course/) is a free, online program designed to help you improve your sleep.
- The [Sleep Health Foundation](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-categories/insomnia) provides information about insomnia and links to online resources and programs to assist you. They have information on [sleep health](https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/all-healthy-sleep) and melatonin and sleep.
- The [Health Resource Directory](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/en/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/) has advice on good sleep habits in [Chinese](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/zh/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/), [Arabic](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/ar/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/) and [Vietnamese](https://healthresourcedirectory.org.au/vi/health-resource-directory/sleep-hygiene/).
- Visit the [Australian Psychological Association](https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/insomnia) for more information on getting help and treatment for insomnia.
- [THIS WAY UP](https://thiswayup.org.au/programs/insomnia-program/) is a free online program which uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you deal with insomnia.
If your child is having trouble sleeping, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on [1800 882 436](tel:1800882436) or [video call](https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/video-call). Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on [1800 022 222](tel:1800022222) (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| Shard | 187 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 11476440364350543187 |
| Unparsed URL | au,gov,healthdirect!www,/melatonin s443 |