Frequently Asked Questions

How does Prolonged Release Melatonin work?

Prolonged Release Melatonin is slowly released into the body over several hours. Prolonged Release Melatonin is for those who can fall asleep quickly but then have difficulty staying asleep.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, helps control sleep and wake cycles, essentially the internal clock in our body. Melatonin plays a role in regulating our natural wake-sleep cycle (circadian rhythm), with levels of melatonin increasing as exposure to light decreases, and decreasing with light exposure increases.

Is there anyone who should not take Melatonin?

Because melatonin is a hormone, testosterone and estrogen metabolism may be affected. For this same reason, women who are pregnant, or couples who are attempting to conceive should not take melatonin.

Diabetics, those with low-blood pressure (naturally or through medications), and individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinning medications should talk with their physician before taking melatonin.

Will Melatonin make me drowsy or “hungover” the following day, like many prescription sleep aids?

Unlike many prescription sleep aids, melatonin doesn’t increase drowsiness or have a “hangover” effect the following day. However, Melatonin should not be taken when fewer than 8 hours remain for sleep/rest.

Will Melatonin change my dreams?

Possibly. Some individuals taking Melatonin report vivid dreams.

Does Melatonin help jet lag?

In several human studies, researchers found that melatonin supplementation reduces the number of days needed to establish a normal sleep pattern. Travelers took melatonin on the day of travel (close to the target bedtime of the destination) and for several days thereafter. Looking at several studies on the impact of melatonin and jet lag, melatonin seemed to provide benefit for about half the people.

I tend to keep a regular sleep schedule during the week and then stay up late on weekends. Would Melatonin help me get to sleep at my normal time on Sunday evening?

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS) is the scientific term for delayed weekend sleep pattern, or the difficulty that many people experience each Sunday night trying to get back onto their “weeknight” sleep schedule after staying up much later on Friday and Saturday night. One study showed the time taken to fall asleep was reduced from almost 60 minutes to a few seconds over 20 minutes.

Does Melatonin help sleep in the elderly?

Several human studies have found that taking melatonin before bedtime reduces the time it takes to fall asleep in elderly individuals with insomnia. Improved sleep quality and morning alertness were also found. Unfortunately, the studies were short in duration.

Can I take this product if I am also taking Coumadin or Warfarin?

If you are taking Coumadin or Warfarin, we recommend consulting your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.