Can melatonin be taken for a long time, or is it only for short courses?

Melatonin does not cause physical dependence in the way that, for example, sleeping pills do. The body does not “get used” to it in such a way that it can no longer fall asleep without it. However, this does not mean that it should be taken indefinitely.

Melatonin is most often used in courses — during periods when the routine is disrupted: when flying, when changing jobs, in busy seasons with late bedtimes. Once the routine has been restored, it is stopped.

If difficulty falling asleep is chronic and not linked to specific external factors (light, schedule, time zones), melatonin may have only a partial effect — because it works specifically with circadian rhythms, not with anxiety, pain or other causes of insomnia. In such cases it is important to find the cause rather than simply keep taking it.

The large pack size (300 tablets) is designed for those who use the product periodically and come back to it as needed, not for a continuous course lasting many months.

In the case of chronic sleep disorders, and when taking any prescription medicines — especially sedatives or antidepressants — it is worth discussing this with a doctor before starting or continuing melatonin: the label states that melatonin should not be combined with alcohol or other medicines, including herbal preparations.