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Diana Stafford, MD

What if melatonin isn't working for sleep?

Updated: Mar 3, 2023



Melatonin is an important supplement used in mold treatment as well as for a host of other issues. But what happens if melatonin supplementation isn't working for yourself or your school aged child or teenager? If melatonin is not working for sleep, some possible troubleshooting techniques include:

  • Adjusting the dosage: Melatonin dosage can vary from person to person, so it may be helpful to try a different dosage. Work with your healthcare professional to find the optimal dosage for you.

  • Timing of use: Taking melatonin too close to bedtime can decrease its effectiveness. Try taking it earlier in the evening, like at dinnertime.

  • Avoiding bright light before bedtime: Bright light can suppress the production of melatonin, so it's important to avoid screens and other bright lights for at least an hour before bedtime. Blue light blocking glasses and red spectrum lights can help immensely with this.

  • Avoiding caffeine (and alcohol, adults): Both alcohol and caffeine can interfere with sleep, so it's best to avoid them in the evening.

  • Practicing good sleep hygiene: In addition to the above, other good sleep hygiene practices include keeping a consistent sleep schedule, maintaining a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding naps during the day.

Don't forget, melatonin is not recommended for use under the age of 3 years and not recommended for daily long term use in prepubertal children.

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