🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 75 (from laksa079)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa075.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin\/","crawl_time":1776105400,"first_indexed_time":1677256299,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,nhs,www!\/medicines\/melatonin\/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin\/ s443","src_root_hash":"11359509702434384875","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How and when to take melatonin - NHS","meta_descriptions":["NHS medicines information on dosage for melatonin, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Dosage and strength\nMelatonin usually comes as 2mg, slow release tablets. These release melatonin gradually into your body during the night.\nFor short-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults\nThe usual dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.\nSometimes your doctor will recommend that you only take melatonin 2 or 3 times a week to see if that improves your sleep first.\nMelatonin should only be taken for a maximum of 13 weeks to treat short-term sleep problems in adults, but longer courses may be used on the advice of a specialist.\nFor longer-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults\nThere are a number of conditions, including ADHD, cerebral palsy and chronic fatigue syndrome, which may affect your sleep. If you have a condition-related sleep problem, a specialist may prescribe melatonin longer term.\nThe usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime.\nSometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily.\nFor longer-term sleep problems in children and teenagers\nLonger-term treatment for children and teenagers is usually prescribed by a specialist.\nThe usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The dose may gradually be increased (up to a maximum of 10mg once daily) depending on how well it works and whether they have any side effects.\nIf their doctor prescribes melatonin liquid, they should follow the instructions provided with the medicine.\nFor treatment of jet lag in adults\nThe usual dose for jet lag is one 3mg standard tablet. You can take this once a day for up to 5 days.\nWhen you arrive at your destination, take your first dose at your normal bedtime. This should not be before 8pm or after 4am.\nIf you still need to take doses after this, try to take them at a similar time.\nYou can increase your dose to up to two 3mg tablets (6mg) if you need to.\nDo not use more than 16 treatment courses in a year.\nIt's best to take slow release tablets with food.\nSwallow them whole and do not cut or crush them.\nIt's best to take standard tablets 2 hours before or 2 hours after food.\nHow long to take it for\nFor short-term sleep problems you'll usually take melatonin for 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases it can be prescribed for up to 13 weeks.\nIf you still have sleeping problems after finishing your course of melatonin, speak to your doctor.\nIf you need treatment for longer-term sleep problems, you may need to see a specialist. They may prescribe treatment for longer than 13 weeks.\nIf you've been prescribed melatonin for jet lag, you can take it for a maximum of 5 days.\nIf you forget to take it\nIf you forget to take melatonin at your bedtime, skip the missed dose and start again the next night.\nNever take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.\nIf you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.\nIf you take too much\nIf you take 1 or 2 extra melatonin tablets, it's unlikely to harm you.\nUrgent advice:\nContact 111 for advice now if:\nyou've taken more than your prescribed dose of melatonin and feel unwell\nGet help from\n111 online\nor call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old\nInformation:\nIf you need to go to\nA&E\n, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.\nBring the melatonin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- Browse More\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n2. [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n3. [Medicines A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/)\n4. [Melatonin](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/)\n\n[Back to Melatonin](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/)\n\n# How and when to take melatonin  - Brand names: Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto, Slenyto, Syncrodin\nYour dose of melatonin will depend on why you're taking it.\n\nWhatever you're taking melatonin for, always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet that comes with your medicine.\n\n## Dosage and strength\nMelatonin usually comes as 2mg, slow release tablets. These release melatonin gradually into your body during the night.\n\n### For short-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults\nThe usual dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.\n\nSometimes your doctor will recommend that you only take melatonin 2 or 3 times a week to see if that improves your sleep first.\n\nMelatonin should only be taken for a maximum of 13 weeks to treat short-term sleep problems in adults, but longer courses may be used on the advice of a specialist.\n\n### For longer-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults\nThere are a number of conditions, including ADHD, cerebral palsy and chronic fatigue syndrome, which may affect your sleep. If you have a condition-related sleep problem, a specialist may prescribe melatonin longer term.\n\nThe usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime.\n\nSometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily.\n\n### For longer-term sleep problems in children and teenagers\nLonger-term treatment for children and teenagers is usually prescribed by a specialist.\n\nThe usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The dose may gradually be increased (up to a maximum of 10mg once daily) depending on how well it works and whether they have any side effects.\n\nIf their doctor prescribes melatonin liquid, they should follow the instructions provided with the medicine.\n\nInformation:\n\n[Find out more about how to give melatonin to children with sleep problems on the Medicines for Children website](https:\/\/www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk\/medicines\/melatonin-for-sleep-disorders\/).\n### For treatment of jet lag in adults\nThe usual dose for jet lag is one 3mg standard tablet. You can take this once a day for up to 5 days.\n\nWhen you arrive at your destination, take your first dose at your normal bedtime. This should not be before 8pm or after 4am.\n\nIf you still need to take doses after this, try to take them at a similar time.\n\nYou can increase your dose to up to two 3mg tablets (6mg) if you need to.\n\nDo not use more than 16 treatment courses in a year.\n\n## How to take it\nIt's best to take slow release tablets with food.\n\nSwallow them whole and do not cut or crush them.\n\nIt's best to take standard tablets 2 hours before or 2 hours after food.\n\n## How long to take it for\nFor short-term sleep problems you'll usually take melatonin for 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases it can be prescribed for up to 13 weeks.\n\nIf you still have sleeping problems after finishing your course of melatonin, speak to your doctor.\n\nIf you need treatment for longer-term sleep problems, you may need to see a specialist. They may prescribe treatment for longer than 13 weeks.\n\nIf you've been prescribed melatonin for jet lag, you can take it for a maximum of 5 days.\n\n## If you forget to take it\nIf you forget to take melatonin at your bedtime, skip the missed dose and start again the next night.\n\nNever take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.\n\nIf you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.\n\n## If you take too much\nIf you take 1 or 2 extra melatonin tablets, it's unlikely to harm you.\n\n### Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:\n- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of melatonin and feel unwell\n\nGet help from [111 online](https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/triage\/check-your-symptoms) or call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old\n\nInformation:\n\nIf you need to go to [A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service), do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.\n\nBring the melatonin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.\n\n## More in [Melatonin](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/)\n- [About melatonin](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/about-melatonin\/)\n- [Who can and cannot take it](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/who-can-and-cannot-take-melatonin\/)\n- How and when to take it\n- [Side effects](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/side-effects-of-melatonin\/)\n- [Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-melatonin\/)\n- [Taking it with other medicines and herbal supplements](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/taking-melatonin-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements\/)\n- [Common questions](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/melatonin\/common-questions-about-melatonin\/)\n\nPage last reviewed: 13 February 2023   \n Next review due: 13 February 2026\n\n## Support links\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/covid-19\/)\n\n- [NHS App](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-app\/)\n- [Find my NHS number](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/find-nhs-number\/)\n- [View your GP health record](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/gps\/view-your-gp-health-record\/)\n- [View your test results](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/view-your-test-results\/)\n- [About the NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/about-the-nhs\/)\n- [Healthcare abroad](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/healthcare-abroad\/)\n\n- [Other NHS websites](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-sites\/)\n- [Profile editor login](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/profile-editor-login\/)\n\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/about-us\/)\n- [Report an issue with the NHS website](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/report-an-issue-with-the-nhs-website)\n- [Accessibility statement](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Our policies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/choose-your-cookie-settings\/)\n\n© Crown copyright","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Dosage and strength\nMelatonin usually comes as 2mg, slow release tablets. These release melatonin gradually into your body during the night.\n\n### For short-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults\nThe usual dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.\n\nSometimes your doctor will recommend that you only take melatonin 2 or 3 times a week to see if that improves your sleep first.\n\nMelatonin should only be taken for a maximum of 13 weeks to treat short-term sleep problems in adults, but longer courses may be used on the advice of a specialist.\n\n### For longer-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults\nThere are a number of conditions, including ADHD, cerebral palsy and chronic fatigue syndrome, which may affect your sleep. If you have a condition-related sleep problem, a specialist may prescribe melatonin longer term.\n\nThe usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime.\n\nSometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily.\n\n### For longer-term sleep problems in children and teenagers\nLonger-term treatment for children and teenagers is usually prescribed by a specialist.\n\nThe usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The dose may gradually be increased (up to a maximum of 10mg once daily) depending on how well it works and whether they have any side effects.\n\nIf their doctor prescribes melatonin liquid, they should follow the instructions provided with the medicine.\n\n### For treatment of jet lag in adults\nThe usual dose for jet lag is one 3mg standard tablet. You can take this once a day for up to 5 days.\n\nWhen you arrive at your destination, take your first dose at your normal bedtime. This should not be before 8pm or after 4am.\n\nIf you still need to take doses after this, try to take them at a similar time.\n\nYou can increase your dose to up to two 3mg tablets (6mg) if you need to.\n\nDo not use more than 16 treatment courses in a year.\n\nIt's best to take slow release tablets with food.\n\nSwallow them whole and do not cut or crush them.\n\nIt's best to take standard tablets 2 hours before or 2 hours after food.\n\n## How long to take it for\nFor short-term sleep problems you'll usually take melatonin for 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases it can be prescribed for up to 13 weeks.\n\nIf you still have sleeping problems after finishing your course of melatonin, speak to your doctor.\n\nIf you need treatment for longer-term sleep problems, you may need to see a specialist. They may prescribe treatment for longer than 13 weeks.\n\nIf you've been prescribed melatonin for jet lag, you can take it for a maximum of 5 days.\n\n## If you forget to take it\nIf you forget to take melatonin at your bedtime, skip the missed dose and start again the next night.\n\nNever take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.\n\nIf you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.\n\n## If you take too much\nIf you take 1 or 2 extra melatonin tablets, it's unlikely to harm you.\n\n### Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:\n- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of melatonin and feel unwell\n\nGet help from [111 online](https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/triage\/check-your-symptoms) or call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old\n\nInformation:\n\nIf you need to go to [A\\&E](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service), do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.\n\nBring the melatonin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

1 day ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin/
Last Crawled	2026-04-13 18:36:40 (1 day ago)
First Indexed	2023-02-24 16:31:39 (3 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	How and when to take melatonin - NHS
Meta Description	NHS medicines information on dosage for melatonin, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Dosage and strength Melatonin usually comes as 2mg, slow release tablets. These release melatonin gradually into your body during the night. For short-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults The usual dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. Sometimes your doctor will recommend that you only take melatonin 2 or 3 times a week to see if that improves your sleep first. Melatonin should only be taken for a maximum of 13 weeks to treat short-term sleep problems in adults, but longer courses may be used on the advice of a specialist. For longer-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults There are a number of conditions, including ADHD, cerebral palsy and chronic fatigue syndrome, which may affect your sleep. If you have a condition-related sleep problem, a specialist may prescribe melatonin longer term. The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. Sometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily. For longer-term sleep problems in children and teenagers Longer-term treatment for children and teenagers is usually prescribed by a specialist. The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The dose may gradually be increased (up to a maximum of 10mg once daily) depending on how well it works and whether they have any side effects. If their doctor prescribes melatonin liquid, they should follow the instructions provided with the medicine. For treatment of jet lag in adults The usual dose for jet lag is one 3mg standard tablet. You can take this once a day for up to 5 days. When you arrive at your destination, take your first dose at your normal bedtime. This should not be before 8pm or after 4am. If you still need to take doses after this, try to take them at a similar time. You can increase your dose to up to two 3mg tablets (6mg) if you need to. Do not use more than 16 treatment courses in a year. It's best to take slow release tablets with food. Swallow them whole and do not cut or crush them. It's best to take standard tablets 2 hours before or 2 hours after food. How long to take it for For short-term sleep problems you'll usually take melatonin for 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases it can be prescribed for up to 13 weeks. If you still have sleeping problems after finishing your course of melatonin, speak to your doctor. If you need treatment for longer-term sleep problems, you may need to see a specialist. They may prescribe treatment for longer than 13 weeks. If you've been prescribed melatonin for jet lag, you can take it for a maximum of 5 days. If you forget to take it If you forget to take melatonin at your bedtime, skip the missed dose and start again the next night. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines. If you take too much If you take 1 or 2 extra melatonin tablets, it's unlikely to harm you. Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if: you've taken more than your prescribed dose of melatonin and feel unwell Get help from 111 online or call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old Information: If you need to go to A&E , do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring the melatonin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin/#maincontent) - [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) - [NHS services](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/) - [Healthy living](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/) - [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) - [Care and support](https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/) - [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) - Browse More 1. [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) 2. [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) 3. [Medicines A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/) 4. [Melatonin](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/) [Back to Melatonin](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/) # How and when to take melatonin - Brand names: Circadin, Adaflex, Ceyesto, Slenyto, Syncrodin Your dose of melatonin will depend on why you're taking it. Whatever you're taking melatonin for, always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet that comes with your medicine. ## Dosage and strength Melatonin usually comes as 2mg, slow release tablets. These release melatonin gradually into your body during the night. ### For short-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults The usual dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. Sometimes your doctor will recommend that you only take melatonin 2 or 3 times a week to see if that improves your sleep first. Melatonin should only be taken for a maximum of 13 weeks to treat short-term sleep problems in adults, but longer courses may be used on the advice of a specialist. ### For longer-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults There are a number of conditions, including ADHD, cerebral palsy and chronic fatigue syndrome, which may affect your sleep. If you have a condition-related sleep problem, a specialist may prescribe melatonin longer term. The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. Sometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily. ### For longer-term sleep problems in children and teenagers Longer-term treatment for children and teenagers is usually prescribed by a specialist. The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The dose may gradually be increased (up to a maximum of 10mg once daily) depending on how well it works and whether they have any side effects. If their doctor prescribes melatonin liquid, they should follow the instructions provided with the medicine. Information: [Find out more about how to give melatonin to children with sleep problems on the Medicines for Children website](https://www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/medicines/melatonin-for-sleep-disorders/). ### For treatment of jet lag in adults The usual dose for jet lag is one 3mg standard tablet. You can take this once a day for up to 5 days. When you arrive at your destination, take your first dose at your normal bedtime. This should not be before 8pm or after 4am. If you still need to take doses after this, try to take them at a similar time. You can increase your dose to up to two 3mg tablets (6mg) if you need to. Do not use more than 16 treatment courses in a year. ## How to take it It's best to take slow release tablets with food. Swallow them whole and do not cut or crush them. It's best to take standard tablets 2 hours before or 2 hours after food. ## How long to take it for For short-term sleep problems you'll usually take melatonin for 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases it can be prescribed for up to 13 weeks. If you still have sleeping problems after finishing your course of melatonin, speak to your doctor. If you need treatment for longer-term sleep problems, you may need to see a specialist. They may prescribe treatment for longer than 13 weeks. If you've been prescribed melatonin for jet lag, you can take it for a maximum of 5 days. ## If you forget to take it If you forget to take melatonin at your bedtime, skip the missed dose and start again the next night. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines. ## If you take too much If you take 1 or 2 extra melatonin tablets, it's unlikely to harm you. ### Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if: - you've taken more than your prescribed dose of melatonin and feel unwell Get help from [111 online](https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms) or call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old Information: If you need to go to [A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service), do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring the melatonin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take. ## More in [Melatonin](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/) - [About melatonin](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/about-melatonin/) - [Who can and cannot take it](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/who-can-and-cannot-take-melatonin/) - How and when to take it - [Side effects](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/side-effects-of-melatonin/) - [Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-melatonin/) - [Taking it with other medicines and herbal supplements](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/taking-melatonin-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/) - [Common questions](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/common-questions-about-melatonin/) Page last reviewed: 13 February 2023 Next review due: 13 February 2026 ## Support links - [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) - [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) - [NHS services](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/) - [Healthy living](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/) - [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) - [Care and support](https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/) - [COVID-19](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/) - [NHS App](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/) - [Find my NHS number](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/find-nhs-number/) - [View your GP health record](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/view-your-gp-health-record/) - [View your test results](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/view-your-test-results/) - [About the NHS](https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/) - [Healthcare abroad](https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/) - [Other NHS websites](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-sites/) - [Profile editor login](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/profile-editor-login/) - [About us](https://www.nhs.uk/about-us/) - [Report an issue with the NHS website](https://www.nhs.uk/report-an-issue-with-the-nhs-website) - [Accessibility statement](https://www.nhs.uk/accessibility-statement/) - [Our policies](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/) - [Cookies](https://www.nhs.uk/our-policies/choose-your-cookie-settings/) © Crown copyright
Readable Markdown	## Dosage and strength Melatonin usually comes as 2mg, slow release tablets. These release melatonin gradually into your body during the night. ### For short-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults The usual dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. Sometimes your doctor will recommend that you only take melatonin 2 or 3 times a week to see if that improves your sleep first. Melatonin should only be taken for a maximum of 13 weeks to treat short-term sleep problems in adults, but longer courses may be used on the advice of a specialist. ### For longer-term sleep problems (insomnia) in adults There are a number of conditions, including ADHD, cerebral palsy and chronic fatigue syndrome, which may affect your sleep. If you have a condition-related sleep problem, a specialist may prescribe melatonin longer term. The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. Sometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily. ### For longer-term sleep problems in children and teenagers Longer-term treatment for children and teenagers is usually prescribed by a specialist. The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The dose may gradually be increased (up to a maximum of 10mg once daily) depending on how well it works and whether they have any side effects. If their doctor prescribes melatonin liquid, they should follow the instructions provided with the medicine. ### For treatment of jet lag in adults The usual dose for jet lag is one 3mg standard tablet. You can take this once a day for up to 5 days. When you arrive at your destination, take your first dose at your normal bedtime. This should not be before 8pm or after 4am. If you still need to take doses after this, try to take them at a similar time. You can increase your dose to up to two 3mg tablets (6mg) if you need to. Do not use more than 16 treatment courses in a year. It's best to take slow release tablets with food. Swallow them whole and do not cut or crush them. It's best to take standard tablets 2 hours before or 2 hours after food. ## How long to take it for For short-term sleep problems you'll usually take melatonin for 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases it can be prescribed for up to 13 weeks. If you still have sleeping problems after finishing your course of melatonin, speak to your doctor. If you need treatment for longer-term sleep problems, you may need to see a specialist. They may prescribe treatment for longer than 13 weeks. If you've been prescribed melatonin for jet lag, you can take it for a maximum of 5 days. ## If you forget to take it If you forget to take melatonin at your bedtime, skip the missed dose and start again the next night. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines. ## If you take too much If you take 1 or 2 extra melatonin tablets, it's unlikely to harm you. ### Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if: - you've taken more than your prescribed dose of melatonin and feel unwell Get help from [111 online](https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms) or call 111. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old Information: If you need to go to [A\&E](https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-an-accident-and-emergency-service), do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring the melatonin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Shard	75 (laksa)
Root Hash	11359509702434384875
Unparsed URL	uk,nhs,www!/medicines/melatonin/how-and-when-to-take-melatonin/ s443