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Melatonin

Pineal hormone that regulates circadian rhythms; reduces sleep latency & helps with jet lag & shift work at low doses.

sleepcircadianjet lag

Evidence last reviewed: 04 Apr 2026

Evidence
2 records
2 recordsBest grade:High
Biomarkers
Sleep LatencySleep DurationSleep Quality (subjective)

The evidence shows moderate effectiveness for sleep disorders and high effectiveness for jet lag, with multiple studies supporting its use. However, individual responses may vary, and more research is needed on long-term effects.

Primary sleep disorders (sleep latency, total sleep time, sleep quality)
Adults with primary sleep disorders (19 studies, n=1,683) · Meta-analysis
Moderate

Melatonin decreased sleep onset latency (−7 min), increased total sleep time (+8 min), & improved overall sleep quality vs. placebo; statistically significant but modest effect sizes.

Dose: 3 mgDuration: 2–12 weeks
Doses 0.5–5 mg are similarly effective; higher doses not more effective but may cause next-day grogginess.
Jet lag prevention & treatment
Adult air travelers crossing ≥5 time zones · Cochrane systematic review (10 RCTs)
High

8 of 10 RCTs found significant reduction in jet lag symptoms with melatonin; 2–5 mg at local bedtime after eastward travel is effective. Timing of dose is critical — wrong timing delays adaptation.

Dose: 5 mgDuration: 2–4 days at destinationTiming: local bedtime after eastward travel
Particularly beneficial for eastward travel across ≥5 time zones. Taking melatonin early in the day can cause sleepiness & delay adaptation.
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Community Insights
Forms & usage
How to take it

Take 2–5 mg 30 minutes before bedtime, ideally at local bedtime.

Immediate-release melatonin
Most studied; 0.5–3 mg typical effective range.
Extended-release melatonin
May help with sleep maintenance; less data vs. IR.
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