The Key to Better Sleep: Melatonin, a Wonderdrug?

Published on: 26/06/2023

Most people in the modern world, with our packed schedules and the importance of work, don't really get quality sleep. Many are distracted by their phones, social media, or work and are exposed to screens day in and day out. Melatonin, a studied and safe supplement, may be a way to alleviate this and get eight hours of high-quality sleep every night.

In our fast-paced world, many people struggle with sleep issues like insomnia and irregular sleep patterns. To address these concerns, melatonin supplements have gained popularity as a natural remedy for improving sleep quality. This article explores the benefits of melatonin supplements and references recent studies that support their effects.


Understanding Melatonin:

As many people in the modern world have bad sleep, it's important that we find ways to circumvent this. Sleep deprivation and other associated sleep illnesses (apnea and the like) have been shown to cause a cascade of health problems, from cardiovascular to psychiatric. A possible solution is melatonin. The pineal gland in the brain produces melatonin, a hormone. It plays a vital role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, helping to synchronize our internal body clock with the natural day-night rhythm. Melatonin levels rise in the evening, signaling our body to prepare for sleep.


Melatonin Supplements, Benefits, and Effects:

  • Regulation of the Sleep-Wake Cycle: Melatonin supplements are commonly used to improve sleep quality and manage sleep disorders like insomnia. By taking melatonin at the right time, individuals can help regulate their internal clock, promoting a consistent sleep pattern and enhancing overall sleep quality.
  • Jet Lag and Shift Work: Melatonin supplements have shown promise in reducing the symptoms of jet lag, which occurs when our sleep-wake cycle is disrupted due to long-distance travel across different time zones. Studies suggest that taking melatonin supplements before or during travel can help adjust the body's internal clock, reducing the severity and duration of jet lag symptoms. Shift workers may also benefit from melatonin supplements to improve sleep during the day.
  • Sleep Disorders: Melatonin supplements have been found to be beneficial for various sleep disorders. For example, they can help regulate the sleep patterns of individuals with delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), a condition where the sleep-wake cycle is shifted later than desired. Melatonin supplements have also shown potential for improving sleep quality in individuals with insomnia and restless leg syndrome (RLS).


Of course, we can't just claim all this without evidence. So, here are some studies highlighting the positive effects of melatonin supplementation on the body:

  • Insomnia: A meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE in 2020 analyzed 19 studies with over 1,700 participants and found that melatonin supplementation significantly improved sleep quality and reduced sleep onset latency in individuals with insomnia.
  • Jet Lag: A systematic review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2021 examined 27 studies and concluded that melatonin supplementation reduced the severity and duration of jet lag symptoms, particularly when taken at the appropriate time and dosage.
  • Sleep Disorders: A study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews in 2022 reviewed multiple trials and found that melatonin supplementation was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing sleep onset latency in individuals with sleep disorders such as DSPS, insomnia, and RLS.


Melatonin supplements offer a natural and effective approach to improving sleep quality and managing sleep-related disorders. They have shown promise in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, reducing jet lag symptoms, and enhancing sleep patterns in individuals with various sleep disorders. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and doesn't interact with other medications or conditions.