hormone Hormones Oral

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates the body's sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms.

Sci.N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine extended release melatonin melatonin
5 forms
Oral

About Melatonin

Melatonin is a neurohormone primarily synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness, playing a central role in regulating circadian rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle. Its production is influenced by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and declines with age. Beyond sleep regulation, melatonin acts as a potent antioxidant, modulates immune function, and has roles in seasonal reproduction in some animals. Supplemental melatonin is widely used to address sleep disorders, jet lag, and certain circadian rhythm disruptions.

Official resources

Fact sheets from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements related to this ingredient group.

Dietary Supplement Label Database

Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).

DSLD group id
7601

At a glance

Approval status

supplement

Compare All Forms

5 forms

Compare supplement forms of Melatonin by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:

High Moderate Low
Form Absorption Steps to absorb Notes Action
Extended Release Melatonin
  • CAS: 73-31-4
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Extended-Release/Sustained-Release Melatonin

Extended-release formulation for sleep maintenance. Take 30-...

  • UNII: JL5DK93RCL
  • CAS: 73-31-4
  • Label category: synthetic
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Immediate-Release Melatonin

For occasional sleeplessness; helps reduce time to fall asle...

  • UNII: JL5DK93RCL
  • CAS: 73-31-4
  • Label category: synthetic
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Melatonin with Receptor-Specific Analogs (e.g., Ramelteon)

Combination sleep support targeting melatonin receptors; con...

  • CAS: Melatonin: 73-31-4; Ramelteon: 196597-26-9
  • Label category: hybrid
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Sublingual Melatonin

Fast-acting sleep aid; place under tongue to dissolve.

  • UNII: JL5DK93RCL
  • CAS: 73-31-4
 — — — View →

Also appears on labels as

Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).

Circadin (brand name for prolonged-release, not immediate), Circadin (prolonged-release melatonin), Controlled-release melatonin, Liquid melatonin drops, Melatonin analogs, Melatonin ER, Melatonin receptor agonists, Melatonin sublingual, MLT, MT1/MT2 receptor agonists, N-Acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, Prolonged-release Melatonin, Ramelteon-containing formulations, Slow-release melatonin, Sublingual melatonin spray, Sublingual melatonin tablet, Sustained-release melatonin, Time-release melatonin

Type: Hormones

Category for Hormones ingredients

Watch out for

Possible interactions or cautions — talk to a healthcare provider if unsure.

  • May interact with anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and certain antidepressants.

Potential Benefits

Benefits associated with Melatonin forms:

Antioxidant Activity Reduces Sleep Onset Latency Alleviates Jet Lag Symptoms Sleep Maintenance Support Circadian Rhythm Regulation Reduced Sleep Onset Latency

And 10 more benefits...

Potential Side Effects

Side effects associated with Melatonin forms:

Daytime Drowsiness How serious: Mild Vivid Dreams or Nightmares How serious: low Hormonal Interactions How serious: low Dizziness How serious: Mild Headache How serious: Mild Gastrointestinal Discomfort How serious: low

And 3 more side effects...

What does the research say?

Numerous studies have shown that melatonin can be effective in improving sleep onset and quality. Extended release formulations have been specifically studied for their ability to maintain melatonin levels throughout the night, which may be beneficial for individuals with sleep maintenance issues.