Melatonin and Autism Ranking:

Key Features

Melatonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the pineal gland.  Very small amounts of it are found in foods such as meats, grains, fruits and vegetables. You can also buy it as a supplement.

According to the Net Doctor website, accessed on 22 August 2017, 

“Melatonin… is normally released soon after it starts to get dark. The amount produced then increases until about two to four am, and then drops off again. Melatonin is linked with the control of circadian rhythms and promoting sleep.”

According to Doyen et al (2011), melatonin may be involved in the regulation of a wider range of functions “…including body temperature, water balance, blood volume, sleep and activity. “   

Administration

In the UK, melatonin is licensed for the short term treatment of insomnia in adults aged 55 years or over. 

It is not licensed for any other group or for the treatment of any other conditions.  It is normally taken after meals, 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. 

Types

Natural melatonin supplements are made from the pineal gland of animals but can be contaminated with a virus so these are not usually recommended. Synthetic, manmade supplements of melatonin do not carry this risk. 

Fast release melatonin supplements are designed to help you get to sleep quickly, while slow release or modified release melatonin supplements are designed to help you stay asleep.

Melatonin supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules or liquid.

Brands and Dosages

Melatonin is sold under a variety of brand names, each of which may come in different strengths. For example, in the UK melatonin is available as

• Circadin 2mg modified-release tablets (Flynn Pharma Ltd)
• Melatonin 3mg modified-release tablets (Imported from the United States))

However the exact dosage will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, your body weight, the brand of melatonin being used etc.

Updated

16 Jun 2022

Last Review

01 Nov 2017

Next Review

01 Apr 2024