Melatonin
N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine. Dietary Supplement, hormone / sleep aid.
This page describes what Melatonin is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Dietary Supplement
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter (unrestricted in most countries; prescription-only in some EU countries)
- Half-life
- 35-50 minutes
- Liver strain
- Low
- Kidney strain
- None known
- Converts to estrogen
- None
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Insomnia/sleep-onset difficulty
- Jet lag / shift-work sleep disorder
- Circadian rhythm disorders
What it does in the body
Psychological
- Reduced time to sleep onset
- Supports circadian rhythm entrainment
- Antioxidant properties (research/indirect relevance to recovery)
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral (tablet/capsule/gummy) | 35-50 minutes | N/A (not a banned/tested substance) |
Side effects and health risks
Neurological
- Grogginess/"sleep hangover" if dosed too high
- Vivid dreams or nightmares (some users)
- Headache (occasional)
Hormones and fertility
- Theoretical suppression of endogenous melatonin/reproductive hormone signaling with chronic high-dose use (limited long-term human data)
Related compounds
Questions
What is the half-life of Melatonin?
About 35-50 minutes. Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is Melatonin detectable?
Testing windows of N/A (not a banned/tested substance) are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is Melatonin legal?
Over-the-counter (unrestricted in most countries; prescription-only in some EU countries). Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with Melatonin?
Ask a doctor which tests suit you.
What are the side effects of Melatonin?
Neurological: grogginess/"sleep hangover" if dosed too high, vivid dreams or nightmares (some users) and headache (occasional). Hormones and fertility: theoretical suppression of endogenous melatonin/reproductive hormone signaling with chronic high-dose use (limited long-term human data).
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.