The Best Melatonin Supplements: Our Top Picks
Which Melatonin Supplements Are Best
* Please consult your primary care provider before starting any new supplement, to make sure they are right for you.
(Ad) When you have trouble sleeping, there can be many causes, as well as many solutions. Dietary supplements like sleep aids are the best options, as they promote restful sleep while not causing any harsh side effects like a prescription medication might. The only issue is, not every drug-free sleep aid is made – or works – the same.
We believe the best dietary supplements to combat sleep issues contain melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally made and secreted by the pineal gland in the human brain, and it’s created to help regulate your body's natural sleep cycle. It may help you fall asleep faster, improve your sleep quality, and stop you having any trouble staying asleep.
Even when taking melatonin supplements though, you will often see different levels of value and efficacy between them. That’s why we have created the following guide to the best melatonin supplements on the market today, to ensure everyone can find a perfect one to help them enjoy rejuvenating sleep each night.
The 6 Best Melatonin Supplements to Help You Fall Asleep
RestAgain - The Best Melatonin Supplement Overall
RestAgain is a natural sleep medicine made by FA Nutra that has long been a popular over-the-counter option in the United Kingdom, owing to the fact that it uses only optimal doses of high-quality, clinically proven natural ingredients. However, its popularity has truly exploded recently since it was launched in the United States.
It is designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and improve your quality of sleep and sleep cycle, without causing any harsh side effects. It does this using a formula that contains melatonin, ashwagandha root, L-theanine, magnesium, valerian root, GABA, 5-HTP, calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.
The naturally occurring hormone melatonin may regulate sleep cycles and help you quickly fall asleep and enter REM sleep (rapid eye movement sleep) – the most restful kind – so you wake up feeling totally fresh and rejuvenated (1).
Ashwagandha and 5-HTP both promote calmness and relaxation and work especially well when paired together with each other, as well as with melatonin supplements, like they are here.
Ashwagandha extract is made from the roots of the winter cherry shrub. It can reduce anxiety, stress, and blood sugar levels, and help improve your sleep quality, concentration, focus, memory, health, and testosterone production (2).
The amino acid 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the pineal gland. This may boost your natural production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which may improve sleep onset and quality, as well as your mood, and relieve anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders (3).
L-theanine is another amino acid and it’s created to promote relaxation and calmness while improving the health and functions of the brain and immune system. It may help you feel rested and possibly help prevent the side effects caused by stimulants, to stop them leading to sleep disorders (4).
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that alters your natural melatonin production, to relieve anxiety and stress and help you relax (5). Valerian root extract then naturally boosts the production of GABA, making the two particularly effective when paired together, like they are in RestAgain (6).
Calcium and magnesium are both minerals that improve quality sleep. They help you feel calm, relaxed, and happy, soothe your muscles, boost sleep latency and REM sleep, and prevent cramps, dehydration, mineral deficiencies, jet lag, dry mouth, and low blood pressure, all of which can harm your sleep-wake cycle (7)(8).
Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 both support neurotransmitter biosynthesis, brain health, metabolism, circadian rhythm, recovery time, and testosterone production; it’s also known to help with depression and other mental health issues; to help improve your overall health and wellbeing, which will all promote better sleep (9)(10).
Taking a dietary supplement containing vitamin D may boost your mood, nutrient absorption, and recovery time, help you relax, and prevent you from becoming vitamin D deficient, which can cause various health problems. This will prevent you having trouble falling asleep and help to regulate your sleep patterns (11).
By putting so many ingredients in a single natural sleep aid, RestAgain can benefit sleep in virtually every possible way. It may prevent you having trouble sleeping or experiencing poor sleep quality and optimize your circadian rhythms, to treat insomnia and help you wake up feeling fresh and alive each morning. Talk to your doctor today to see if these are right for you.
When you then add in that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and has a very affordable price tag and small serving size, RestAgain is easily the best natural sleep medication available on the market today for boosting your melatonin levels and helping you sleep.
Pros
- The strongest natural sleeping pills available without a prescription
- Will not cause any harsh side effects or adverse reactions
- Uses only high-quality, optimally dosed, clinically proven natural ingredients that work in synchronicity
- Has a very reasonable price tag, serving size, and money-back guarantee
- Can help you fall asleep, stay asleep, sleep deeply, boost your sleep cycle, and prevent sleep issues
Cons
- As a new sleep aid, reviews from past customers are limited
- Only available directly from the official RestAgain website
Sleepes - Most Effective Budget Melatonin Brand
Sleepes is a good budget option with more active ingredients than other melatonin products in the same price range. While not the absolute cheapest, Sleepes is probably the most effective sleep agent for people on a tight budget.
The main ingredients in Sleepes are melatonin and magnesium. Together, these two are perfect for preparing your body for sleep. Melatonin signals your body to prepare for sleep, while magnesium relaxes your muscles.
With just 3mg of melatonin per serving, the dose of melatonin in Sleepes is on the low side. This amount of melatonin probably won’t help anyone with serious sleeping problems, but for anyone who needs a small dose to help them drift off then Sleepes is a cost-effective option.
In addition to melatonin and magnesium, Sleepes contains GABA, HTP-5, valerian root, lemon balm, L-tryptophan, hops, and chamomile. These are mostly excellent ingredients for a sleep aid to contain, particularly the GABA, HTP-5, and valerian root. However, they are included in a blend, which means we do not know if they are included in effective doses.
L-tryptophan has not appeared in any other sleep aid we’ve explored here. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is found naturally in certain foods. It has been linked to improvements in sleep quality and is also thought to reduce anxiety.
Sleepes is currently on sale and, as a result, costs the same as our other budget recommendation, REMfresh. Ordinarily, Sleepes costs $10 more. Those extra dollars get you an additional mg of melatonin plus a host of other active ingredients, which means its effectiveness is likely to far surpass the effect of using REMfresh.
Pros
- Most ingredients proven to improve sleep
- Currently costs the same as REMfresh
- Contains many effective ingredients in addition to melatonin
Cons
- Uses a blend that doesn’t state the exact quantities of each ingredient
- Contains lemon balm, which is not conclusively proven to aid sleep
Swanson Melatonin Ultra Triple Strength - The Best Pure Melatonin Supplement
Unlike most melatonin supplements on this list, Swanson Melatonin Ultra Triple Strength does not contain a range of different ingredients. Rather, it simply features 10 mg of melatonin per serving, which may be ideal for individuals who are only interested in taking melatonin supplements to help them sleep and nothing else.
It is advertised as being able to boost your natural melatonin production and sleep-wake cycle and prevent occasional sleeplessness and conditions like jet lag, which are known to cause sleep problems.
This may help support high-risk groups like shift workers, the elderly, or people with autism spectrum disorder wake up feeling fresh and well rested every morning.
Ten mg of melatonin per serving is also the dosage that studies on complementary and integrative health suggest will provide maximum results , without causing any harsh side effects, which may make Swanson Melatonin Ultra Triple Strength the perfect choice for people who want to rely solely on nature's bounty, melatonin.
These melatonin tablets are even non-GMO and gluten free, contain no artificial flavors and sweeteners, and boast a very reasonable price tag. This means they can be obtained and used by virtually everyone. Always speak to your doctor when starting a new supplement.
The only issue with Swanson Melatonin Ultra Triple Strength is that that melatonin supplements can be more effective when they also contain additional ingredients, as supplements that only contain melatonin may only be able to improve your quality of sleep from a single angle.
However, if you specifically want a dietary supplement that only contains the maximum safe daily dosage of nature-made melatonin, then Swanson Melatonin Ultra Triple Strength is one of the very best melatonin tablets you will find. Follow the recommended dosage on the box for optimal results.
Pros
- Contains only the optimal 10 mg of melatonin per serving
- Very reasonably priced
- Non-GMO and gluten free and contains no artificial sweeteners or flavors
- May help you fall asleep fairly quickly
Cons
- Using only naturally occurring melatonin makes it less well rounded than other melatonin supplements
- Not the cheapest or most effective melatonin supplement on the market
Olly Sleep Gummies - The Best Melatonin Gummies
Olly Sleep Gummies are melatonin gummies that make an ideal alternative for individuals who have issues sleeping but who do not like swallowing pills or capsules. Boasting a pleasant Blackberry Zen flavor, these gummies can be chewed, to help users boost their sleep in the most enjoyable way possible.
The Olly Sleep Gummies formula is gluten free and again uses only natural ingredients. It contains two ingredients we saw in RestAgain – melatonin and L-theanine – as well as three new ones: chamomile flower extract, lemon balm extract, and passionflower extract.
As before, when you take L-theanine and melatonin, effective improvements may be achieved in your ability to feel calm and relaxed, fall asleep quickly, stay asleep longer, sleep deeper, improve your circadian rhythm and brain and immune functions, and avoid anxiety, stress, and the side effects of stimulants.
Chamomile extract comes from a herb that’s popular in sleep supplements as it is rich in a chemical called apigenin. This chemical has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety, promote calmness and relaxation, and combat many of the top causes of sleep disorders, in order to promote restful sleep (12).
Lemon balm extract is made from a plant in the mint family that’s full of minerals and vitamin C. Studies suggest that it may be able to produce a similar effect to chamomile when it comes to combatting anxiety and insomnia , and one study even reports it can boost your quality of sleep (13).
Passionflower extract is said to be able to relieve, anxiety, hysteria, insomnia, and seizures. These effects are claimed to be produced due to the ability of passionflower extract to boost your natural GABA production, making it much easier for you to relax and fall asleep (14).
The active ingredients in Olly Sleep Gummies are then joined by various colors, flavors, sweeteners, and stabilizers. These are not meant to affect sleep in any way and are included solely to create the bulk, taste, and texture of the gummies and make them enjoyable to consume.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of issues with Olly Sleep Gummies that we do need to point out.
Not only are two of the ingredients – lemon balm extract and passionflower extract – not conclusively proven to deliver all of their claimed benefits, but there is also less of the three proven ingredients per serving than what you will find in the very best sleep supplements on the market.
Irrespective of this though, if you have issues taking pills or capsules and want to use melatonin gummies to improve the quality of sleep that you get each night, Olly Sleep Gummies are the best option available for you to try. Talk to your doctor to see if these are right for you.
Pros
- Three of its five ingredients are shown to help you sleep
- Melatonin gummies are ideal for people who can't swallow, or don't like swallowing, tablets, pills, or capsules
- Great tasting, gluten free, and very affordable
- Highly unlikely to cause any side effects
Cons
- Two of the five ingredients have not been conclusively proven to help you sleep
- There is less of all the proven ingredients per serving than you will find in the very best sleep aids
- Some older users have reported the gummies can get stuck in their teeth or dentures
Luna Sleep Aid - The Best Organic Melatonin Supplement
Luna Sleep Aid is a reasonably priced, organic, non-GMO and gluten-free herbal sleep supplement made by Nested Naturals that is designed to improve your sleep hygiene and help you get a good night's sleep, so that you wake up feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
The Luna Sleep Aid formula consists of eight ingredients: melatonin, L-theanine, GABA, valerian root extract, chamomile extract, lemon balm extract, passionflower extract, and hops extract.
With the exception of hops extract, we have seen all of these ingredients before in the previous melatonin supplements we’ve looked at, albeit in different doses, and they again benefit sleep in the same ways, although not always with the same level of efficiency.
They may induce sleep, calmness, and relaxation; prevent stress, anxiety, hysteria, seizures, or side effects of other medications keeping you awake; combat sleep problems like insomnia; regulate sleep cycles; boost your natural GABA production; and enhance sleep latency, quality, and duration.
The one new ingredient in the formula, hops extract, has antioxidant properties that are thought to reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, and tension, and combat various other sleep problems and disturbances, to help you fall asleep much quicker and enjoy a far healthier sleep cycle (15).
Again, there are a couple of issues with the Luna Sleep Aid that we do need to address.
Not only are some of the proven ingredient dosages a little on the low side and another two, passionflower extract and lemon balm extract, not conclusively proven to work, but the new ingredient, hops extract, may also cause you to experience hunger pangs, which could lead to sleep disturbances on its own.
Despite these issues though, we know that the Luna Sleep Aid is capable of inducing sleep improvements. This means it can still be one of the best melatonin supplements to use for individuals who only like products that are 100% percent organic.
Pros
- Many of its ingredients, such as valerian root, are known to help you sleep
- Very reasonably priced
- Non-GMO and gluten free
- All of its ingredients are 100% organic and will not cause any harsh side effects
Cons
- More evidence is needed to conclusively prove that some of the ingredients benefit sleep
- Some of the ingredient doses are a little low to produce optimal effects
- One of the ingredients can cause hunger pangs, which can add to your sleep problems
- There have been complaints about an unpleasant taste and smell
REMfresh - The Best Budget Melatonin Supplement
Much like the Swanson supplement we looked at earlier, REMfresh features nature-made melatonin as its only active ingredient. This will again allow it to help you fall asleep and enter REM sleep faster, improve your quality of sleep and sleep-wake cycle, and ensure you wake up feeling totally fresh and rested each morning.
What really sets REMfresh apart from the other melatonin supplements we have looked at, though, is its price tag, as it’s one of the most affordable products of its kind. This makes it an effective way to boost melatonin levels that virtually everyone can reap the benefits of, even if you’re on a very tight budget.
There are, however, a couple of issues with REMfresh that we do need to mention.
The first issue is how much melatonin it actually contains. It has 2 mg of melatonin per serving, which is a much lower dose than the optimal level, so will not produce such potent effects. Then there is the fact that it only contains melatonin and no other ingredients, so cannot improve your sleep in more than one way.
These issues are perhaps not overly surprising to most people though, given its very low price tag. So, in spite of its shortcomings, REMfresh can still be one of the best melatonin supplements on the market today for those who need a little help getting a better night's sleep while shopping on a very tight budget.
Pros
- The low price tag makes it one of the best melatonin supplements for people on a tight budget
- Contains only 100% pure melatonin
- Highly unlikely to cause any harsh side effects
- The small serving size is ideal for people who can't swallow, or don't like swallowing, sleeping pills or capsules
Cons
- Contains a lower dose of melatonin per serving than found in many similar supplements
- Using just a single ingredient means it can only benefit your sleep in one way
- Contains many non-active ingredients that won't help you sleep but could cause side effects or allergic reactions
Dr Teal's Sleep Spray - The Best Liquid Melatonin Supplement
Despite knowing how effective they are, some people still choose to avoid melatonin supplements, because of claims that some people will not tolerate them very well. However, just because you are worried about consuming melatonin doesn’t mean you can't still use liquid melatonin in other ways.
Dr Teal's Sleep Spray with Melatonin & Essential Oils is a sleep supplement designed with what they call a soothing blend of ingredients. Instead of ingesting it, you spray this liquid melatonin supplement near your bed, to help you relax mentally and physically, drift off, enjoy good-quality sleep, and wake up feeling fresh.
Dr Teal's Sleep Spray with Melatonin & Essential Oils is made using a formula that contains melatonin, Epsom salts, patchouli oil, and lavender and chamomile essential oils, plus water, perfume, and various stabilizers, such as benzoic acid.
Despite being liquid, melatonin and chamomile can again help you relax, feel calm, drift off quickly, sleep deeply and for longer, and enjoy a healthy sleep schedule, while combatting anxiety, stress, and sleep problems, so that you wake up feeling fresh each morning.
Epsom salts consist of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen and are said to regulate sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, help you relax and drift off, aid muscle and wound healing and recovery, soothe sore bones, joints, and muscles, heal damaged skin, and boost nerve and digestive health, which all helps with sleep (16).
Lavender is a purple flower, and its extract is thought to have relaxing and calming properties, produce a mild sedative effect, encourage restful sleep, combat mild sleep disturbances, and reduce muscle and joint tension and soreness, to help you improve your sleep hygiene (17).
Patchouli oil is extracted from the plant's dried leaves and is said to reduce inflammation, stress, anxiety, and depression; boost relaxation, digestion, and skin, joint, and hair health; combat colds, headaches, stomach aches, pains, and injuries; suppress your appetite; aid weight loss; and help you sleep (18).
Admittedly, many of these ingredients are more effective when consumed, rather than used as a room spray. Others also have limited evidence to support their inclusion, while a lack of any listed quantities makes it hard to predict the effects of the formula as a whole.
However, if you don't want to consume any supplements but still need a bit of help sleeping, Dr Teal's Sleep Spray with Melatonin & Essential Oils is still a good option to try, especially as it’s quite reasonably priced.
Pros
- Leaves a pleasant, long-lasting aroma in your sleeping area
- Can help you feel calmer and more relaxed
- Is ideal for people who don't want to swallow or consume anything
Cons
- Won't combat chronic sleep problems
- Some people experience vivid dreams that wake them up and hurt their sleep cycle
- Some of the ingredients are not proven to aid sleep as a spray, while others aren't proven to work at all
Alternatives to Melatonin
There are several alternatives to melatonin that may help improve sleep quality. Here are a few options:
Magnesium: This mineral plays a role in promoting relaxation and better sleep. Taking a magnesium supplement or consuming magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains may help improve sleep.
Valerian root: Valerian root is a herb commonly used as a natural sleep aid. It can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve overall sleep quality. It’s available in supplement form or as a tea.
Chamomile: Chamomile tea has calming properties and can promote relaxation, making it an excellent choice for improving sleep. It is caffeine-free and easy to consume before bed.
L-theanine: L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels, leading to better sleep. It’s available as a supplement or can be consumed by drinking green tea.
5-HTP: 5-HTP is a compound that helps the body produce serotonin – a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep. It can be found as a supplement and may help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms.
We've mentioned a few of these when covering RestAgain, which in fact contains all the above ingredients, aside from chamomile.
Final Thoughts on the Best Melatonin Supplements Supported by Complementary and Integrative Health Studies
Melatonin is a hormone that’s easily one of the best ways to help people with sleep issues fall asleep fast , enjoy long, high-quality sleep, and restore their sleep-wake cycle. However, while there are many very good melatonin supplements to choose from, the best melatonin supplement for most people will be RestAgain.
Packed with 10 mg of melatonin per serving, plus optimal doses of many other high-quality supplements, RestAgain will help most healthy adults combat everything from mild sleep disorders to chronic insomnia, so they can regulate sleep patterns and enjoy greatly improved health and a better overall quality of life. Speak to your doctor if you’re unsure if Melatonin is right for you.
If, for any reason, it doesn’t sound like the right natural sleep aid for you, then one of our other melatonin supplement picks surely will. For everyone else though, we highly recommend that you give RestAgain a try and see just how well it can boost both your natural melatonin levels and your sleep quality.
How We Selected Our Top Melatonin Supplements
Quality and Efficacy: Look for supplements that are manufactured by reputable companies that follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs). This ensures that the product is of high quality and meets quality standards. We look for melatonin brands that incorporate these sorts of practices across all of their products.
Customer Reviews: Of course, customer feedback is important, so we want to make sure that the supplements don't just work for us, but that they work everyone.
Value: Of course price comes into it, so we want to make sure you're getting bang for your buck.
Ingredients and Dosage: Read the label carefully to understand the ingredients and their sources. Look for supplements that provide the right dosage of each ingredient, as too little or too much can be ineffective or even harmful. Speak ti your doctor if you are unsure.
Scientific Evidence: We carefully considered whether there is scientific research supporting the claims made by the supplement. Look for studies conducted on humans, as animal studies may not always translate to human benefits.
Third-Party Testing: Supplements that have been tested by independent third-party laboratories for purity and potency are more trustworthy. Look for certifications or seals from organizations like NSF International or USP.
Melatonin Supplements FAQs
Who may benefit from a melatonin supplement?
A melatonin supplement may be beneficial for individuals who struggle with sleep-related issues such as insomnia, jet lag, or shift work disorder. It can also be helpful for people with certain medical conditions that disrupt their sleep patterns, such as sleep apnea or circadian rhythm disorders. Additionally, melatonin may be beneficial for individuals who experience sleep disturbances due to certain medications or lifestyle factors.
Can you take melatonin while pregnant?
It’s generally recommended that you avoid taking melatonin while pregnant unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and has not been extensively studied for its effects on pregnancy. While there is limited research available, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
Risks and side effects of melatonin supplements
Melatonin is generally considered a mild supplement for short-term use, but like any supplement, it may have potential risks and side effects. Some common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and nausea. It can also cause vivid dreams or nightmares, especially if taken in high doses. It's important to note that melatonin may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and immunosuppressants. If oyu are taking any medications, it’s best to speak to your doctor to ensure your safety.
Is melatonin safe for children?
Melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use in children when used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It may be helpful for certain sleep-related issues.. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before giving melatonin to children, as the appropriate dosage can vary depending on the child's age and individual needs. Additionally, it's important to address any underlying issues that may be affecting the child's sleep before considering melatonin as a solution.
When should I speak with a doctor about sleep problems?
It’s advisable to speak with a doctor about sleep problems if the problems persist for more than a few weeks and significantly impact your daily functioning and quality of life. Additionally, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional if your sleep problems are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or difficulty breathing during sleep. A doctor can help diagnose any underlying medical conditions and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Tips for Raising Your Melatonin Levels Naturally
To naturally increase your melatonin levels, try the following methods:
1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Consistency in your sleep routine helps regulate your body's internal clock and promotes the production of melatonin.
2. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a cool temperature to promote melatonin production.
3. Limit exposure to artificial light: Minimize your exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices, especially before bedtime, as this can suppress melatonin production. Consider using blue light-blocking glasses or apps.
4. Get natural sunlight exposure: Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to produce melatonin at night.
5. Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in stress-reducing activities, like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, to promote melatonin production.
6. Avoid stimulants and heavy meals before bed: Caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals close to bedtime can disrupt melatonin production and interfere with your sleep.
7. Consider melatonin-rich foods: Some foods naturally contain melatonin or its precursors, such as tart cherries, walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds, and tomatoes. Including these in your diet may support melatonin production.
Remember, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your sleep routine or starting any new supplements.
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*This article is provided by an advertiser. Statements made are not meant to offer medical advice nor to diagnose any condition. Any studies cited here may be preliminary, and may or may not be peer reviewed, and may or may not have sufficient participants to be statistically relevant. Anecdotal accounts should not be taken as scientific results. Products discussed in this article are not designed to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. The FDA does not evaluate dietary supplements. Consult your doctor about possible interactions, allergies, and if you are considering using a natural and/or dietary supplements for any condition. Individual results will vary.