What Is Melatonin?

Uses For Melatonin

Melatonin supplements are commonly used as sleep aids to reduce insomnia and jet lag. Studies suggest the supplements can improve sleep duration and reduce the amount of time it takes for a patient to fall asleep, and they may also improve the quality of their sleep. In studies of individuals with jet lag, melatonin supplements have shown the potential to prevent shifts in sleeping and waking times as well. Additional research suggests melatonin supplements may be beneficial for the relief of migraines and cluster headaches, and a study from 2014 reported tinnitus patients who used melatonin supplements had improvements in their symptoms. Researchers believe the supplements could be useful in slowing cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease, and patients with cancer may wish to ask their oncology team about whether melatonin could support their treatment. While the exact mechanism is unclear, some small studies suggest melatonin could help keep cancer from starting and advancing. In addition, research published in 2017 discovered melatonin supplements could improve how a tumor responds to the radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.

Read about the potential side effects linked to melatonin next.