Melatonin is a hormone that is manufactured naturally in the human body. Now, this hormone is the one that regulates your sleep. Darkness increases the production of melatonin triggering the body to sleep while light reduces its production, prompting awakeness. People who are insomniac or have trouble sleeping have low levels of this hormone and often turn to melatonin supplements. Melatonin also binds to receptors in your brain to reduce nerve activity. it can also reduce levels of dopamine and is involved in some aspects of day night cycles of our eyes.Are Melatonin Supplements Useful? There is strong evidence that suggests that taking melatonin before bed decreases the time taken to fall asleep, a concept called sleep latency, by 3 minutes. It also increased sleep time by about 30 minutes. A similar analysis of 23 studies on individuals with disease-related sleep disorders found that melatonin supplements significantly decreased sleep disturbances and sleep latency, while improving both sleep duration and quality. However, while this review concluded that melatonin pills did not benefit those with mental disorders or neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, other research has suggested otherwise.Other Benefits of Melatonin Supplements Eye HealthMelatonin, with its potent antioxidant effects, may support eye health and lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation. Acid Reflux and GERDIt may help alleviate acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by protecting the oesophagus lining from irritants like acid and NSAIDs, though further research is needed. TinnitusMelatonin might reduce symptoms of tinnitus, particularly when background noise is minimal, and improve sleep, according to studies, although these studies had limitations. Migraine ReliefMelatonin may reduce migraine severity and frequency, as reviews have shown that it significantly lessens migraines in both children and adults, with a typical dose of 3 mg at bedtime.How To Take Melatonin?For those considering melatonin to address insomnia, it's advisable to begin with a low dose, as suggested by Healthline. Start by taking 0.5–1 mg of melatonin about 30 minutes before bedtime. If you don’t notice an improvement in your ability to fall asleep, you can gradually increase the dose to 3–5 mg. Taking more than 5 mg is generally not recommended, as higher doses are unlikely to enhance sleep benefits. The aim is to identify the minimum effective dose for your needs.Always adhere to the dosage instructions provided with your supplement and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating over-the-counter melatonin into your routine. Additionally, since melatonin is available in various forms, discussing with a doctor or pharmacist which form is best suited for you might be beneficial.