Melatonin: A Natural Sleep Aid Worth Considering

Rank	Products	Highlights
#1	Physician’s Choice natREM 100% Natural Sleep Aid with Valerian Root check price	Even a half dose is effective Non-drowsy feeling and easy to wake Easy on stomach
#2	Nature Made Melatonin + with 200 Mg L-theanine check price	Promotes the ability to gently fall asleep without grogginess Provides a deep, all night rest No feeling of grogginess the next day
#3	LUNA Sleep Aid Tablets for Children 4+ and Sensitive Adults check price	Gently allows children to fall asleep and stay asleep when struggling with their nights Works within 30 minutes of taking Wonderful to help reset a sleep schedule, especially when traveling

When you struggle with sleep it can begin to severely impact how you go about your day to routine and even affect your long-term health. A sleep aid can help you get to sleep quickly, and day stay asleep, but with the many choices available both through a prescription and over the counter, it can quickly get confusing as to what might be best for you.

Taking a sleep aid should always be approached with knowledge and caution, and one of the most natural aids you can consider uses melatonin as the main ingredient to bring you the rest you deserve. The following article highlights some of the best sleep aids that include melatonin both for adults, as well as children.

You may want to read: Natural Sleep Aids For A Better Night’s Sleep

What a Sleep Aid is and Why They Are Used

A sleep aid can be a prescribed, or over the counter, option to help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. It is most often taken as an occasional aid to help reset a sleep cycle, such as when you experience jet lag during travel or have been struggling with stress both mentally or physically. It should be mentioned that before taking any sort of new medication, especially if you are already taking medication, to first consult with your doctor. Even the over the counter natural sleep aids can have adverse side effects, and any questions you have should always be carefully researched and considered.

When People Struggle to Sleep

Most people struggle with sleep at some point in their life, and it is estimated that 1 in 3 adults do not get enough rest, with up to 164 million Americans struggling to get to sleep at any given time. Occasionally the solution to this people is simple and involves a change in routine, an awareness of sleep patterns, or even a new diet. Others turn to the replacement of their mattress and other sleep products to improve comfort and the quality of their sleep. But despite this, there are still many people who are unable to rest properly and when it affects the quality of their health, they need something more.

The problems often arise from things that you cannot always control, and may include:

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

The circadian rhythm allows our body to recognize when it is time to sleep and time to wake up. It also includes out patterns of eating, exercise, and other daily routines we go through. This is created from our own patterns, and certain things can begin to throw it off. A sleep aid can help you reset this to get the rest you need and help your body recognize when a pattern has shifted.

Insomnia

Insomnia can be created by a variety of different things and is defined by difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep no matter how tired you are. It can be brought on by pain, injury, sleep disorders, stress, diet, depression, medication, as well as many other factors.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Snoring and Sleep Apnea both disrupt the airways and can lead to not only a disruption in rest but also breathing – creating dangerous health disorders and situations. Even under doctors care, sleep may still be disrupted enough to create a feeling of restlessness or tiredness as the sleep cycle is interrupted due to medications, unnatural body positions, or breathing apparatuses.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy, especially advanced pregnancies, can create very uncomfortable sleep situations for the mother to be. There are many products to help with comfort, such as pregnancy pillows, but even then sleep can be elusive. Some sleep aids may be used under a doctors care, but always first check with a doctor, even with natural sleep aids.

Restless Leg Syndrome

The uncontrollable movements of restless leg syndrome can be caused by a variety of reasons and may disrupt the sleep cycle of a person without them even being aware of the reasoning. This leaves them tired through the day. Sleep aids may help in relaxing the body and allowing the person to sleep more deeply to avoid the worst of these symptoms.

Chronic Pain and Injury

Any sort of pain can create an uncomfortable sleep experience. Even the strongest of painkillers eventually wear off and interrupt the sleep cycle. Sleep aids often can help those who are struggling with pain get to sleep faster to have better quality sleep and sleep deeper for a more healing and regenerative sleep experience.

What Melatonin Is and Why You May Want to Consider It

Melatonin is not just a natural ingredient, it is a natural hormone your body makes to help you both know when to sleep, and when to wake. It is created in your pineal gland, a small, pea-sized gland found right about in the middle of your brain, and is influenced to start producing melatonin as the sun begins to set each night- as your body is very much in turn with the nature around you.

But, like most of us, we don’t always keep the same hours as the sun, and we are also highly influenced by artificial lighting through our exposure to different light spectrums used in various housing light bulbs, as well as screens on tablets, phones, watches, and televisions. These can emit various levels of blue light as well- which mimics daylight and can trick out brain into thinking it is still light outside.

Taking melatonin (either in a synthetic or natural form) can help reset your body’s internal clock and influence your own melatonin production to help you sleep. You can find it on its own, or blended with other natural ingredients to help with rest and relaxation. Blends are often the most popular choice as melatonin on its own may not be enough to influence feelings of sleep if there are other underlying issues with your rest.

Possible Side Effects of Melatonin

Despite being all natural, melatonin can have side effects, although most are considered fairly minor and quickly go away, it should be noted, again, that mixing it with other medications never should occur unless you are under doctor’s care. The most common side effects are restlessness and anxiety, headaches, and stomach discomfort. Other, less commonly seen effects include short-lived depression and a lack of focus and tiredness the day after taking.

What to Consider When Choosing a Melatonin Sleep Aid
When choosing any sort of sleep aid, always consider why you are turning to one in the first place. Be sure you have considered your own sleep comfort and sleep products, your diet, and most importantly- your own schedule. If you can control any of these before taking an aid you should do so or you most likely will still have problems with rest even with aid.

If melatonin is new to you, also be aware that it may not work for everyone. Even though it is naturally produced by your body, it can create side effects just like any other medication. Never be afraid to first thoroughly research the product you are considering, look for consumer reviews, and ask your doctor for their opinion.

You may want to read: Melatonin Supplements Dosage and Usage

Best Melatonin Sleep Aids

The following options depend on both melatonin and other natural sleep aid ingredients to induce a feeling of relaxation. This helps calm your body and mind to support a quicker and deeper sleep.

1. Editor’s Choice: NoctuRest – Fast, Advanced Sleep Supplement

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Magnesium, Melatonin, Theanine + Herbs
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 48 servings

This advanced sleep supplement is a liquid form which is more quickly absorbed by your body in order to help you to sleep more quickly. NoctuRest is made from all natural melatonin which is blended with magnesium, l-theanine, and relaxation-inducing herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, and hobs. Altogether, this formula is proven to help you sleep up to 2x faster than capsule and pill form aids, and is considered gentle on your body and mind to avoid making you feel tired or groggy after awakening.

Pros

• Absorbs quickly to help you fall asleep fast
• No day after grogginess
• Easy to take and effective

Cons

• Melatonin can cause restlessness in some people
• May have to take up to 3 doses to get it to work

check price

Who Should Purchase this Product
Considered a fast-acting sleep aid, this gentle formula absorbs quickly to help you get the most out of your night. If dropping off to sleep is a struggle each night, this is a good choice to pick.

2. Runner Up: Physician’s Choice natREM 100% Natural Sleep Aid with Valerian Root

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Suntheanine, L-Theanine, Melatonin, P5P, Chamomile, valerian root
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 60 capsules

The combination of all-natural ingredients found in Physician’s Choice natREM Sleep Aid is taken in a vegetable capsule to create a gluten-free, vegan option. Melatonin, l-theanine, Vitamin B6, and natural herbs such as chamomile and valerian work to promote peaceful relaxation and improve the uptake of the ingredients that will help you rest quickly and efficiently through the night. The ingredient blend is also made to allow you to wake to feel rested and non-groggy the next morning, and provide energy through the day.

Pros

• Even a half dose is effective
• Non-drowsy feeling and easy to wake
• Easy on stomach

Cons

• Consistent use may be needed before seeing results
• Melatonin can cause restlessness in some people

check price

Who Should Purchase this Product
As a vegan option, this capsule fits the bill for those looking for a true all natural aid for lifestyle and health choices. Formulated to help you sleep through the night, it also is perfect to provide a rested, non-groggy feeling upon waking.

3. Best Sensitive: Genius Sleep AID – Smart Sleeping Pills & Adrenal Fatigue Supplement

OVERVIEW

• Sleep Ingredient: Melatonin, l theanine, glycine, and inositol
• Kid Safe: no
• Bottle Amount: 40 capsules

For those who need a low dose of melatonin due to sensitivities to it, this is an excellent choice as the Genius Sleep AID uses only a small amount of melatonin as a supportive ingredient, rather as the main ingredient. Adrenal support in the form of l-theanine, and the stress and anxiety inhibitors glycine and inositol promote relaxation and mood support to allow you to more natural calm your mind to drift off to sleep and stay asleep. They also work together to provide a wakeful feeling through the next day for improvement in focus. Also made with a vegetable capsule, this is a gluten-free, vegan option.

Pros

• Works well to reset sleep schedule
• Provide all day awareness with no grogginess
• Allows you to wake if needed

Cons

• Dosage (2 capsules) may not be enough
• Ingredients may not work well with everyone and cause restlessness

check price

Who Should Purchase this Product
Perfect for those who appreciate melatonin, but are sensitive to it, this aid is designed for an improved night of sleep and energy for the following day.

You may want to read: The Best Sleep Aid Non-Habit-Forming

4. Best Natural: Nature Made Melatonin + with 200 Mg L-theanine

OVERVIEW

Sleep Ingredient: Melatonin and l-Theanine

Kid Safe: no

Bottle Amount: 60 soft-gels

All natural with no artificial flavors or preservatives, Nature Made brand melatonin with l-theanine helps calm them and promote sleep using all natural methods. These soft gels are made to quickly increase your melatonin levels in your bloodstream supported by the use of the natural amino acid l-theanine to bring an overall sense of peace and calm. Designed to work with your body without the use of synthetic drugs, you can fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply, and awake feeling refreshed and calm.

Pros

• Promotes the ability to gently fall asleep without grogginess
• Provides a deep, all night rest
• No feeling of grogginess the next day

Cons

• Melatonin reacts differently with everyone and may create restlessness, or anxiety the next day

check price

Who Should Purchase this Product
This is an excellent option for anyone who was wondering what the best sleep aid using melatonin as a main ingredient was. As the main ingredient, it works with your own body’s lowered levels of melatonin to promote sleep.

5. Best Chewable: LUNA Sleep Aid Tablets for Children 4+ and Sensitive Adults

OVERVIEW

Sleep Ingredient: Melatonin and Natural Herbs

Kid Safe: yes

Bottle Amount: 60 chewables

Adults aren’t the only ones who struggle with sleep issues. Children also go through bouts of restlessness and trouble with their sleep, and melatonin in low doses can be helpful to resetting their little systems for a better night’s rest. Luna sleep Aid tablets are designed specifically with a low dose of melatonin and natural herbs, such as chamomile and lemon balm, to help calm the senses and promote sleep. This is perfect for children 4 and up, as well as adults who may have sensitivities to melatonin or other more adult designed sleep aids. It comes in an easy to chew tablet that tastes like tropical berry for easy dosing.

Pros

• Gently allows children to fall asleep and stay asleep when struggling with their nights
• Works within 30 minutes of taking
• Wonderful to help reset a sleep schedule, especially when traveling

Cons

• Should be used with caution with children
• May not work with everyone due to sensitivity to melatonin

check price

Who Should Purchase this Product
Designed for both children and sensitive adults, this is a great sleep aid product for when your little one is struggling with a sleep schedule, or you need a little extra help getting your rest.

Conclusion

Whether you or your child, need some help getting to sleep and staying asleep- melatonin is a naturally found ingredient that can help influence the rest you deserve. Most melatonin found in pills is synthetically derived, but is designed to mimic your own hormone, and is effective in most who use it. It does have some side effects, however, and should always be used with caution and direction.

The products highlighted above showcase some of the most popular sleep aids used with melatonin as a main ingredient in various strengths. They have been proven to be effective and fairly gentle overall – and provide a good selection for the needs of many lifestyles and health issues. Always consult with a doctor, however, when introducing new supplements to your routine.