Circadin

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body which regulates your sleep cycle. It increases at nightfall and decreases as the sun rises, causing you to fall asleep during the night. Melatonin in capsule form can help ease jet lag and insomnia, where you have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep at normal times. 

How does Melatonin work?

Melatonin works by regulating your sleep-wake cycle. As it gets dark at night, this causes the levels of melatonin to rise, preparing the body for sleep. Melatonin reduces as daylight arises, causing you to wake. During jet lag, your natural melatonin levels are disrupted as your body is trying to adjust to a different time zone. If you have insomnia, you may have a reduced level of the melatonin hormone. Melatonin capsules work by balancing out your sleep-wake cycle to help you sleep. 

How long do Melatonin tablets last?

The effects of Melatonin generally last for up to 8 hours, depending on the dose taken. 

Melatonin for insomnia

Insomnia is a relatively common sleep disorder which is thought to affect around one third of the UK population at some point in their lives. Studies have shown that Melatonin has proved effective in helping people with insomnia to fall asleep and get a restful, healthy sleep. While the supplement can aid the onset of sleep, it does not provide a cure for insomnia. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help to identify the root cause of it and change your behavior and thinking patterns. 

Melatonin for seasonal affective disorder

There is evidence to show that Melatonin can help people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. Often referred to as winter depression, the change in season triggers low mood and a lack of energy. In people with SAD it's thought that the natural level of melatonin increases, making you feel tired and sluggish during the day. If you are having trouble sleeping at night because of Seasonal Affective Disorder then Melatonin supplements may help with this. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredient is Melatonin, each tablet containing 2mg.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are ammonio methacrylate copolymer type B, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, lactose monohydrate, silica (colloidal anhydrous), talc and magnesium stearate.

How to take Melatonin

Melatonin should be taken with food 1-2 hours before you go to bed for up to 13 weeks. 

Can Melatonin tablets be crushed or split?

Melatonin is a slow release tablet and should not be crushed or split as this prevents it from working correctly. 

Melatonin side effects

Common side effects may include: 

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Throat inflammation 
• Weak muscles 

Less common side effects may include: 

• Migraines 
• Feeling irritable, nervous or restless 
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Drowsiness 
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Abnormal dreams 
• Sweating 
• Weight gain 
• Hyperbilirubinaemia

Rare side effects may include: 

• Mood changes
• Feelings of aggression 
• Increased sex drive
• Problems with attention or memory 
• Blurred vision
• Upset stomach
• Hot flushes 
• Night sweats 
• Priapism
• Skin rashes 

Contraindications

You should not use Melatonin if:

• You have liver problems
• You are under 18
• You have an autoimmune disease 
• You have Galactose intolerance or glucose-galactose malabsorption

Consult your doctor if you have decreased functioning of the kidneys.   

Melatonin and pregnancy

It is not recommended to take Melatonin during pregnancy as it has not been determined if this is safe or not.

Melatonin and alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided when taking Melatonin as it can enhance feelings of drowsiness and dizziness. 

Drug interactions

The following medications can interfere with the way Melatonin is broken down by the body and should not be taken at the same time: 

• Cimetidine
• Fluvoxamine
• Psoralen
• Quinolone antibiotics 
• Contraceptives or hormone replacements containing oestrogen
• Psoralen
• Carbamazepine 
• Rifampicin 

The following medications can enhance the drowsiness effect when taken in conjunction with Melatonin: 

• Benzodiazepines
• Antipsychotics
• Sleeping tablets
• Tricyclic antidepressants   

Jet lag tips

Jet lag is something that can't be prevented as travelling to different time zones upsets the natural circadian rhythm of your body. However, to ease the feelings of tiredness you can try gradually easing your way into the altered time zone of the destination you are travelling to by going to bed slightly later or setting your alarm earlier than usual. Try to move around during your flight if you can to get a bit of exercise, stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol as these substances will disrupt your sleep.  

Prescription Melatonin vs Melatonin supplements

It is safest to take Melatonin if a doctor has prescribed it as they will be able to provide you with the correct guidelines on how much to take, and how to take it correctly for your individual needs. When you purchase melatonin supplements over the counter, the amount of melatonin present in the capsules may vary as may the additional ingredients. 

Melatonin vs Circadin

Circadin is a brand name medicine which contains Melatonin. They are essentially the same thing. 

Is Melatonin safe for regular use?

Melatonin can be taken safely for up to two years. However, continued use can lead to side effects including mood disorders and drowsiness. The safety of taking Melatonin long term is not yet known so it's recommended as a short term solution only.   

Is Melatonin natural?

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body. Melatonin supplements contain a synthetic version of the hormone which is man made and therefore not naturally occuring. 

Sources

• Mayo Clinic > Melatonin
• NHS > Insomnia
• WebMD > Melatonin Benefits and Risks
• Psychology Today > Melatonin and Insomnia
• VeryWellHealth > How to take Melatonin
• Science Daily > Melatonin improves mood in winter depression