We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
According to the
If you’re on the hunt for a quality melatonin supplement, consider one of these top choices.
We made this list by looking at the following factors:
- Brand reputation. This includes whether the brand has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter.
- Ingredient transparency. Packaging for all products on our list states exactly what’s in each dose.
- Customer reviews. All of these products have rave reviews on retail sites.
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Product quality. We looked for objective indicators of quality, including:
- USP or NSF seal. Products with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or NSF International seal have been independently tested by a third party to make sure they meet strict public health standards.
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cGMP certification. The FDA requires supplement manufacturers to follow
current good manufacturing processes (cGMPs) . Some companies voluntarily obtain third-party certifications that they follow cGMPs.
We aimed to present supplements with a variety of price points, application methods, ingredients, and flavors.
Pricing guide
Alongside each product on this list, you’ll find a dollar sign indicating the following price ranges per 50 doses:
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$20
- $$$ = over $20
OLLY Sleep gummies
Price: $$
These tart and tasty blackberry-flavored gummies melt in your mouth. On Amazon, over 6,000 customers gave them 4.2 out of 5 stars for flavor.
In addition to 3 milligrams (mg) of melatonin, each gummy contains chamomile, lemon balm, and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and relaxation.
These gummies carry the NSF seal.
Buy OLLY Sleep gummies online.
Vicks ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs gummies
Price: $$
Each blackberry-vanilla-flavored gummy contains 6 mg of melatonin per dose, which is 2 gummies. The formula also contains ashwagandha, an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and anxiety, and valerian root, which promotes sleep.
Be aware that both substances pose some risks. For instance, they may interfere with medication. People who are pregnant shouldn’t take valerian.
Natrol fast dissolve tablets
Price: $
A favorite on Amazon and at Walmart and Costco, this product has received hundreds of glowing reviews. It comes from Natrol, one of the most well-known vitamin and supplement brands in the United States.
Reviewers say it has excellent value for the price and works quickly without causing lasting grogginess. Each tablet contains 5 mg of melatonin.
This product is USP verified. Natrol is also cGMP certified.
Buy Natrol fast dissolve tablets online.
MidNite chewable tablets
Price: $$
These chewable, cherry-flavored tablets offer an alternative to capsules and gummies. In addition to 1.5 mg of melatonin, each tablet includes other sleep-friendly ingredients such as lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender.
Customers say that this formula doesn’t leave them feeling groggy in the morning. Others mention using it combat jet lag and shift work.
Buy MidNite chewable tablets online.
Natrol tablets with vitamin B6
Price: $
Another product from Natrol, each of these tablets contain 10 mg of melatonin, which means you only have to take one tablet to reach the maximum daily dose. The addition of vitamin B6 helps support the body’s natural melatonin production.
Many reviewers cite the high dose and time-release formula as effective in helping them fall and stay asleep.
Buy Natrol tablets with vitamin B6 online.
Nature Made tablets
Price: $
Available in 5-mg or 3-mg tablets, this product carries the USP-verified seal. Made with simple ingredients, it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Users say this product helps them fall asleep within 30 minutes. Some use a pill splitter to take a lower dose on some nights.
Quicksilver Scientific liposomal melatonin spray
Price: $$$
This supplement spray comes in a sleek spray bottle. One pump delivers 1 mg of melatonin, but you can up the dose as needed.
Liposomal refers to the method of delivery. In this case, the melatonin is encased in a small, fat-like particle that allows it to be absorbed more easily. An added benefit of liposomal supplements is that they tend to have fewer side effects.
Quicksilver Scientific is cGMP certified. The company also states that they regularly conduct third-party lab testing on their products.
Buy Quicksilver Scientific liposomal melatonin spray online.
Luden’s Melatonin Soothers lozenges
Price: $$
This 30-pack of individually wrapped honey-lavender lozenges is a favorite at CVS and Walmart. Each lozenge contains a 1-mg dose of melatonin. Customers say that although they aren’t the most potent, they taste great and feel soothing on the throat.
Luden’s is a trusted cough drop manufacturer. They third-party test all of their products.
NOW liquid melatonin
Price: $
Liquid melatonin offers the benefit of fast absorption. This non-GMO, vegan formula is free of most gluten, dairy, and eggs. Customers describe the flavor as mild and citrusy but sweet.
One of the downsides of this product is that it doesn’t come with a dropper to measure the liquid. If you have a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon, you can use it to measure out the 0.9 milliliter (mL) dose.
NOW is a cGMP-certified company.
Luminite Sleep Support capsules
Price: $$$
What sets this product apart is its unique combination of ingredients. Each capsule contains 4 mg of melatonin, plus chamomile, passionflower, and GABA.
It’s one of the few formulas to also include L-tryptophan, an amino acid that has been linked to better sleep quality. Other calm-inducing ingredients include hops and skullcap powder.
Luminite is manufactured in accordance with cGMPs.
Buy Luminite Sleep Support capsules online.
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in your brain. It helps to control your day-night rhythm, also known as your circadian rhythm, by making you feel sleepy when it’s dark. It likely has other functions as well.
Melatonin supplements are usually synthetic, but they can also be extracted from animals or other organisms. When you take melatonin supplements, they work the same way as the naturally occurring version of the hormone.
Melatonin is considered a dietary supplement by the
Still, supplement manufacturers must provide accurate safety information about their products. They may be penalized for making false claims.
That doesn’t mean all supplement brands are trustworthy. When shopping, you might want to consider buying from a big-chain drugstore where you can talk to a pharmacist about the product. Well-known chains may be less likely to stock fraudulent products.
In addition to factors such as price, flavor, route of administration, and dose, you’ll want to assess the product label and packaging. Look for the following:
- Does the label make claims that sound too good to be true? For instance, does it claim to cure insomnia? Exaggerated claims can signal a scam.
- Where is the product made? Opt for products manufactured in the United States.
- Has the company or product received an
FDA warning letter orrecall alert ? If so, you’ll want to steer clear of it. - Are the ingredients listed? Does the supplement contain
ingredients that are forbidden by the FDA ? - Does the product have a USP verification mark or NSF certification? This signals that the ingredients in the product correspond to those on the label.
Not all melatonin supplements are the same. Read and follow the label carefully. If you’re not sure what to do, ask a pharmacist for instructions on how to take melatonin.
You can take between 0.5 and 10 mg of melatonin per day. It’s best to start with a lower dose and work your way up to a higher dose if needed.
Take it about 30 minutes before you go to bed.
Little is known about the long-term effects of taking melatonin. If you find you have to take melatonin most nights for more than 1 month, you should talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying sleep disorders.
According to
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- drowsiness
There’s still very little research on melatonin safety among children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Since melatonin is a hormone, it could interfere with other hormonal functions, such as puberty or lactation.
In addition, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine discourages melatonin use among people with dementia.
Melatonin can interact with other drugs and supplements. If you’re taking OTC or prescription medication or other supplements, it’s especially important to talk with your doctor before taking it.
Melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy when it’s dark outside. Taking a melatonin supplement may improve sleep quality.
There are hundreds of melatonin supplements on the market, including capsules, tablets, gummies, liquids, and sprays. It’s important to evaluate the manufacturer’s claims critically when shopping for a supplement.
Always ask a doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure about a product. Consult with your doctor before trying any new supplement.
