PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The use of melatonin has become a mainstream over-the-counter tool to treat sleep disorders and issues with circadian rhythm.
According to a new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the use of melatonin has dramatically increased as much as four-fold in the past 22 years.
So, is it helping? The research says there is not enough data to approve melatonin as a tool to treat insomnia, but the sleep-wake cycle, which can be influenced by international travel and shift work, is an area where there is great potential.
There is a warning, though. Researchers recommend against taking more than 5 milligrams a day of melatonin.
Sleep experts also warn against the idea that a single pill can make all of the difference.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.