Time Release Vs Fast Dissolve Melatonin: Which One Is Better
Regular melatonin pills belong to the type of fast dissolve melatonin. They dissolve as soon as you swallow them, releasing melatonin into your system immediately.
Time release melatonin, on the other hand, dissolves slowly. It delivers melatonin little by little, which may simulate how your body produces typically melatonin during the night. This is regarded to be more effective for sleeping at night.
Depending on your preference, you can choose either type. It is still best to seek for an advice from your doctor on whether to take fast dissolve or time release melatonin.
How To Take It
For sleep problems in adults, the usual dose is one 2mg tablet. Take the tablet 1 to 2 hours before bedtime. This is because the medicine takes a couple of hours to start working.
Take melatonin after food.
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
These are not all the side effects of melatonin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.
Does Food Contain Melatonin
A study published in Food and Nutrition Research notes that certain food products do contain various amounts of melatonin as measured by immunological and chromatographic laboratory techniques. How consumption of these various foods might affect endogenous production sleep or was not evaluated:
Research finds that melatonin synthesis depends upon availability of the essential amino acid tryptophan, a needed component of the diet. If intake of tryptophan is severely restricted, synthesis of melatonin is significantly reduced in humans.
In the Nurses Health Study, no link was found between the consumption of various nutrients, such as folate, vitamin B6 and zinc and increased urinary excretion.
Diets rich in vegetables, fruits and grain products will contain considerable levels of dietary melatonin. The overall effect of dietary consumption on nighttime levels of melatonin is very limited. Melatonin production is primarily driven by the effects of light and darkness and by age, declining as we get older.
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Treat Primary Insomnia With Non
Behavioural and cognitive therapies are effective for treating primary insomnia, including in people aged 55 years.1113Combined with education on good sleep practices, these therapies provide long-lasting improvements in sleep not seen with drug treatment.13 For more information on non-drug therapies for insomnia, including techniques and instructions for patients, see NPS Prescribing Practice Review 49: Management options for improving sleep.
When To Take Melatonin

Its recommended take melatonin 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Thats because melatonin typically starts working after 30 minutes, when levels in your blood rise.
However, the best time to take melatonin is different for each person. Everyone absorbs medication at different rates. To start, take melatonin 30 minutes before bed. You can adjust the timing depending on how long it takes for you to fall asleep.
Whats most important is that you avoid taking melatonin at or after your ideal bedtime. This can shift your body clock in the wrong direction, resulting in daytime sleepiness.
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Where To Buy Melatonin Supplements In Singapore
Delivering the highest quality melatonin supplements, Ultimate Sup Singapore won’t let you down. Its an ideal place for you to buy melatonin in Singapore, in both time release and fast dissolve form. You can drop by our store whenever you want, or just click on the product you like to put it in the cart online. We promise to support you as much as we can.
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How And When To Take It
The dose will vary depending on why you’re taking it. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine if you’re taking melatonin to:
- prevent headaches
If your child is prescribed melatonin, follow the doctor’s instructions carefully. Find out more about giving melatonin to children from Medicines for Children.
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Are There Side Effects For Either Type Of Melatonin Supplement
Yes. Both types of melatonin supplements, when taken too frequently or in large doses, could cause side effects like:
- Drowsiness or fatigue, especially in the morning. Your brain might have too much melatonin and may not have processed it all by the time you wake up
- Headaches or dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
Additionally, taking an immediate-release melatonin supplement could lead to side effects like difficulty falling asleep without a supplement in the future. Your brain might eventually become used to you providing extra melatonin for it, so the pineal gland may not make enough melatonin to fall asleep naturally.
However, remember that melatonin supplement side effects are overall rare. Because its difficult to truly overdose on melatonin unless you take several capsules or gummies at once, you shouldnt need to worry about these effects in most cases.
Cautions With Other Medicines
Some medicines and melatonin can interfere with each other and increase your risk of side effects.
Certain medicines may increase or decrease the drowsy-making effects of melatonin.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking melatonin if you take any of the following:
- antidepressants such as fluvoxamine or imipramine
- blood pressure lowering medicines
- zaleplon, zolpidem or zopiclone
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Who Should Take Melatonin
- Those who suffer from circadian stress. This could be those who work night shift or very long hours, people who fly frequently, and people who struggle with sleep. This group often needs a higher, short-term dose of 5 milligram time release melatonin. Learn more about LifeSpas 6-hour time release melatonin supplement, called Melatonin HP, in our online store.
- Those in the aging population. Yes, that is a ridiculous term, but Im referring to men over the age of 60 and women after menopause, as melatonin production naturally decreases with age. Those with genetic health predispositions should consider starting earlier, but get your level tested first. This group typically needs a very small, long-term dose . Learn more about LifeSpas low dose Liquid Melatonin in our online store.
- Those who need a circadian reset. Due to overexposure to artificial light, blue light and an excessively stressful culture, most Americans are prone to a circadian imbalance and could use a 3-month circadian reset with melatonin. This can be accomplished with melatonin-rich foods, lifestyle changes, and/or supplementation. I suggest a 3-month reset using 3 milligrams immediate-release melatonin, OR 5 milligrams of time-release melatonin.
> > > Learn how to find the right melatonin dosage for you
Melatonin As A Supplement
Under normal conditions, the body produces sufficient amounts of melatonin to aid healthy sleep. However, some factors can contribute to low melatonin levels in some people. In these cases, OTC melatonin can be help support your overall sleep health.
However, melatonin gummies are a popular and convenient alternative.
Some reasons for low melatonin levels include:
- Not being exposed to enough natural light during the day.
- Excessive amounts of blue light exposure .
- Aging melatonin levels tend to drop as we age.
- Lifestyle factors smoking, excessive alcohol use, high levels of stress.
Also, some people require extra melatonin for other reasons. For example, some night shift workers use melatonin because their normal circadian rhythm is disrupted. Some people who suffer from sleep disorders also benefit from supplemental melatonin.
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Melatonin For Sleep: Does It Work
Melatonin sleep aids are growing in popularity, with 3 million Americansusing them in 2012, according to a nationwide survey from the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention. If youre among them or are consideringmelatonin for sleep, its smart to understand exactly how melatonin works.
Your body produces melatonin naturally. It doesnt make you sleep, but as melatonin levels rise in the evening it puts you into a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep, explains Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M.
Most peoples bodies produce enough melatonin for sleep on their own. However, there are steps you can take to make the most of your natural melatonin production, or you can try a supplement on a short-term basis if youre experiencing insomnia, want to overcome jet lag, or are a night owl who needs to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier, such as for work or school.
If youd like to harness melatonins sleep-inducing effects, Buenaver recommends taking these steps.
What To Consider Before Using Melatonin

Those considering the use of melatonin should speak with their health care provider to determine if the supplement is right for them, as well as the appropriate dosage. Consider the following before taking melatonin:
Side effects: While melatonin is typically well-tolerated, some people experience dizziness, headaches, nausea and daytime sleepiness. Children have also been found to experience these symptoms in addition to the possibility of bed-wetting and overall agitation. Additional reported side effects include vivid dreams or nightmares, stomach cramps, decreased libido, reduced sperm count and male breast enlargement .
Allergic reactions: Melatonin can cause allergic reactions and interfere with medications. People taking prescription medication should not take melatonin without first discussing it with their doctor.
Mental disorders: Melatonin is not recommended for use by people with dementia, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and it may worsen symptoms in anyone suffering from depression.
Pregnancy: Medical experts recommend pregnant people do not take melatonin, as there isnt enough research to determine how it may interfere with fertility, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Hormone-related issues: As melatonin is a hormone, experts suggest those with hormone-related issues consult their doctor before use. People with hormone-related issues should only use melatonin under medical supervision.
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How Long Does Melatonin Stay In Your Body
Melatonin doesnt last in the body for long. It has a half-life of 40 to 60 minutes. The half-life is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half a drug.
Typically, it takes four to five half-lives for a drug to be fully eliminated. This means melatonin will stay in the body for about 5 hours.
If you stay awake during this time, youre more likely to feel aftereffects like drowsiness. Thats why its recommended to avoid driving or using heavy machinery within 5 hours of taking it.
But remember, everyone metabolizes drugs differently. The total time it takes to clear will vary for each person. It depends on several factors, including:
Extended Release Melatonin Vs Fast Immediate Release
Regular melatonin tablets come as fast release tablets which means that they release melatonin instantly into your bloodstream or can be found as extended release tablets which dissolve more slowly mimicking the way your body naturally secretes melatonin. Extended release tablets are thought to be better for maintaining sleep during the night. Your doctor may be able to help you decide which is better for you.
Sleep disorders in the elderly: a growing challengeKamalesh K. Gulia Velayudhan Mohan Kumar
Melatonin, human aging, and age-related diseasesM. Karasekâ
Elderly as a High-risk Group during COVID-19 Pandemic: Effect of Circadian Misalignment, Sleep Dysregulation and Melatonin AdministrationDaniel P. Cardinali, Gregory M. Brown, , and Seithikurippu R. Pandi-Perumal
Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disordersFiona Auld et al. Sleep Med Rev. 2017 Aug.
Melatonin and sleep disorders: Overview of literature and testing in psychiatric practiceS Huysmans et al. Tijdschr Psychiatr. 2019.
Influence of Dietary Sources of Melatonin on Sleep Quality: A ReviewNádia Pereira et al. J Food Sci. 2020 Jan.
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How To Boost Melatonin Production Naturally
1 – Sunlight
Getting exposed to sunlight during the day is essential because your body needs a certain amount of sunlight to produce serotonin which is a precursor of melatonin. This sets our circadian rhythm to produce melatonin at night.
2 – Reduce exposure to blue lights before bed
We all have the habit of using our phone before bed, the blue light emitted from our phones disrupts the natural production of melatonin which may have negative effects on the quality of sleep.
3 – Maintaining a healthy diet
Due to melatoninâs essential role in improving sleep, adding melatonin to your diet may improve sleep, Some of these foods include:
Certain fruits have the highest content of melatonin. Dairy products, eggs, fish ,turkey and chicken contain melatonin. Some nuts and seeds and vegetables . Mushrooms are also good sources of melatonin.
To reap the benefits of sleep enhancing foods it’s best to consume them 2 to 3 hours before bed time.
But is there evidence that they actually work in reducing sleep disorders?
Sweet cherries (30g of sweet cherries or 200-400g pitted have been shown to help some people with reducing awakenings at night. The same goes for Kiwis take before bed.
How Long Does It Take For Melatonin To Wear Off
Melatonin takes between four to eight hours to wear off, but the amount of melatonin you take can cause this number to vary significantly. Generally, Buenaver suggests taking the lowest dose possible and advises starting at around one to three milligrams.
At a lower dosage, the melatonin will wear off quicker, and youll be less likely to experience any side effects.
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What Is Melatonin And What Is Its Impact On Sleep
Melatonin is a hormone that plays an important role in your natural sleep cycle. Your brain produces this hormone in the evening. It acts on your bodyâs receptors to encourage sleep. Many studies suggest that melatonin supplements might be helpful in improving quality of sleep in many sleeping disorders such as Insomnia, delayed sleep phase and even jet lag.
When’s The Best Time To Take Melatonin Before Bed
Before deciding the best time to take melatonin, you should make one clear distinction, says Ju.
Knowing whether or not you have a circadian rhythm disorder will dictate how close to bedtime you should take a supplement. Folks with a delayed circadian phase are commonly referred to as night owls.
“For people who have a problem with their internal clocks, if they have a circadian disorder, like a night owl type, we will recommend that those individuals take melatonin about an hour or two before their desired bedtime,” she says.
But, most people don’t have a circadian disorder and those who are taking the supplements solely to get to sleep, “can take it at bed time or just 15 minutes prior,” Ju says.
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Benefits Of Taking Melatonin Supplement
Benefits of taking Melatonin supplement:
1.Promotes healthy sleep Melatonin levels generally decrease with age causing disturbed or fragmented sleep cycle. Melatonin supplement helps treat insomnia in older adults. The supplement, unlike other hypnotic medication, is known to produce minimal side effects on the psychomotor function of an individual. 1.
2.Enhance immune function Melatonin hormone is responsible for regulating immune function in elderly people or people whose immune system is compromised. Melatonin supplements in elderly individuals can help boost the immune function by stimulating the network of immune-opioid and by regulating the glutathione levels in the body.2.
3.Anti-aging property Melatonin is considered to be a natural antioxidant that promotes significant anti-aging properties by reducing oxidative stress. Elderly people who tend to take melatonin supplement finds to have an improved quality of life by its antioxidant and immune-enhancing qualities.3.
4.Anti-diabetic Melatonin release also influences the release of insulin, and they both work in synchronization. Melatonin, with its antioxidant properties, may help regulate insulin secretion by protecting the ?-cells of the pancreas against reactive oxygen species, as these cells possess the low-antioxidative capacity.5.
Two Ways To Supplement With Melatonin

The two major delivery systems for melatonin supplementation are time release and immediate release.
Watch my podcast with melatonin researcher, Paula Witt-Enderby. All of her research on sleep, bone density, blood sugar, breast and prostate health, the microbiome and immunity has been done with immediate release melatonin most commonly using 3 milligrams, taken 20 minutes before bed.
We Recommend 063: Melatonin with Dr. Paula Witt-Enderby
At LifeSpa, we have two melatonin supplements: Liquid Melatonin and Melatonin HP. Here are the differences between the two supplements:
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What The Experts Do Lower The Light To Prep For Sleep
Johns Hopkins sleep expert Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M., keeps the lights low in the evening to help his mind and body prepare forsleep. But if he has to work in the evening or answer emails, he usesfilters to screen out the blue and green wavelengths of light emitted byhis smartphone and computer. Your brain associates this light withdaytime, and it can interfere with melatonins sleep-promoting effects. Afilter can help. Many types of blue-light filters are available online andin stores.
Melatonin Time Release Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, Melatonin Time Release is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time .
Common side effects may include:
-
daytime drowsiness
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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