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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffMelatonin is an over-the-counter supplement that's marketed as a way to help overcome insomnia. Your body naturally produces melatonin, releasing it into your bloodstream in increasing amounts starting at dusk and tapering off toward the morning. For most people, taking a melatonin supplement isn't effective in treating insomnia. The safety of using melatonin for more than three months isn't known.
Valerian is another dietary supplement sold as a sleep aid. Studies show that valerian works no better than does a sugar pill (placebo).
Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
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- Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia: Nonpharmacologic therapy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 15, 2008.
