Melatonin Dosage: How Much Melatonin Should You Take

Melatonin Dosage for Adults

There is no official recommended melatonin dosage for adults, but a range of 1 to 5 milligrams generally appears to be effective. Adults can take melatonin a few hours before bed.

Melatonin Dosage for Pregnant or Breastfeeding People

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using melatonin without first consulting their doctor. There has not been sufficient research into the safety of melatonin among this population.

Melatonin Dosage for Older Adults

Melatonin levels naturally decline as a person ages Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , disrupting the sleep-wake cycles for many older adults. As a result, older adults may have an increased sensitivity to melatonin. Older adults with dementia should avoid melatonin.

In a meta-analysis of 16 studies, a wide range of melatonin dosages were administered to older adults aged 55 to 77 years old. In all of the studies, the melatonin levels remained higher among the older adults when compared to younger adults and stayed higher for a longer period of time, leading to increased daytime drowsiness. The more melatonin each person took, the more pronounced these effects.

As a result, researchers recommend older adults start with the lowest dose of melatonin possible. Lower doses may help older adults sleep better without disrupting their circadian rhythms and causing prolonged drowsiness.

Melatonin Dosage for Children

Further research is needed to fully understand the overall safety of melatonin for children. Parents should consult with their child’s doctor prior to administering melatonin. 

The melatonin dosage for children should be determined by a pediatrician, who will evaluate the sleep issue the child is experiencing. Typical dosages for treating insomnia in children generally start at 1 to 2 milligrams Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source . Melatonin should not be used in children under 5 years of age.  

When children experience side effects from taking melatonin, they may include:

• Agitation
• Increased instances of bedwetting 
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches

Medical professionals may recommend melatonin for children with conditions that affect their sleep, such as insomnia, autism spectrum disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, there have not been enough studies of melatonin in children for experts to determine an official recommended dosage or any potential long-term safety risks. Since melatonin is a hormone, taking supplemental melatonin may affect other aspects of hormone development in children, but further research is needed.

If your child is having sleep problems, discuss your concerns with their doctor and explore alternative solutions. Research indicates that for half of the cases Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source where melatonin was used to treat pediatric insomnia, good sleep hygiene was just as effective at relieving the child’s sleep issues.

How Much Melatonin Should I Take?

It is best to start with the lowest recommended dosage of melatonin for your age. From there, you can gradually increase your dosage until you find a dose that helps you fall asleep without causing side effects. Generally, a safe starting dose for adults is between 1 and 5 milligrams of melatonin. Older adults may find doses lower than 1 milligram to be effective. Children should not take melatonin unless recommended by a doctor.

Over-the-counter melatonin may come in standard amounts like 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, or 5 milligrams. It is important to note that cutting or splitting tablets for a smaller starting dose can result in inconsistent dosing. Symptoms of melatonin overdose Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source include changes in blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vivid dreams or nightmares.

To ensure safe usage, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter sleep aid, including melatonin. They know your personal medical history and can best advise you on the appropriate melatonin dosage for your needs. They will also know whether melatonin might interact with any other medications you may currently be taking.

Certain health conditions and medications may increase your risk of side effects when taking melatonin. If you take any of the following medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking melatonin:

• Birth control or oral contraceptives Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Blood thinners
• Immunosuppressants or corticosteroids Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source
• Medications that lower blood pressure Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source

Additionally, the following types of people may have an increased sensitivity to melatonin, and should avoid taking it before consulting their doctor:

• Children
• People with dementia
• People with depression
• People with epilepsy
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Shift workers

The research into melatonin’s potential benefits and usage is still evolving, and its long-term effects Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source are still unknown. For many people, melatonin offers mild improvements to sleep problems when used on a short-term basis. For others, it may cause side effects or not impact sleep at all.

If you find your sleep problems persist, it may be beneficial to talk to a doctor. They can recommend strategies for improving your sleep, such as better sleep hygiene, changes to diet and exercise, or cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. They can also evaluate other possible causes for your sleep problems.