The use of melatonin supplements is popular around the world for its ability to promote a faster onset of sleep and deeper sleep patterns. This supplement is used by people with insomnia, for jet lag, anxiety and as an anti-aging remedy.
You were, in the past, able to buy melatonin in the UK over the counter. However, current UK law effectively bans the sale of the supplement in local stores and online. Instead, supplements like 5-HTP, Valerian Root, Chamomile and L-Tryptophan are used.
Melatonin regulates our circadian rhythms – which is the cycle of activities linked to our slee-wake patterns. Melatonin is produced in our pineal gland and is released at night when it is dark. The levels in our bodies drop off when we are exposed to light again in the morning.
When we are exposed to unusual light patterns, such as when we travel over a large number of time zones or take on late-shift jobs, it can disturb our sleep patterns. In these cases, many people effectively supplement with melatonin to improve sleep disorders.
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Where Can you Buy Melatonin in the UK?
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In the past, you could buy melatonin over the counter in the UK. However, in 1995, melatonin laws changed, and it was banned from general sale because it was considered a medicinal product.
Unlike the United States and Canada, you cannot buy melatonin supplements in local stores or online websites based out of England, Scotland or Ireland.
Since there is no license to sell it as a medicine, it is also not available in pharmacies and falls into a gray area.
However, you do not need a prescription to use melatonin in the UK, nor is it illegal to possess it. Because of this, some people purchase melatonin pills for sale online from other countries and ship this product to the UK. It is legal to import for personal use.
Some poplar brands of melatonin supplements available online include:
- Now Foods Melatonin 1mg, Two Stage Release.
GNC Melatonin 3. This supplement contains 3 mg melatonin per tablet.
- ChronoDorm Melatonin. This supplement delivers 1 mg melatonin through a sublingual tab.
- Melatonin Act Forte. This supplement combines melatonin with two other sleep aids, 5-HTP and Valerian.
Common Uses of Melatonin supplements
In the UK, Melatonin is used by a number of people to treat sleep disorders that include:
- insomnia
- shift work disorder
- sleep-wake cycle disturbances
- jet lag
- circadian rhythm disorders
- preventing sleeplessness in hospital settings, where frequent disturbances and bright light can make it difficult to sleep.
Applied topically before sun exposure, there is also evidence that melatonin can prevent sunburn.
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Effects and Benefits of Melatonin
The National Center for Biotechnology Information performed a meta analysis of available studies on melatonin’s effects on sleep disorders. Their findings included the following:
- Melatonin helped decrease the time it took both people with a primary disorder and normal sleepers to fall asleep.
- Melatonin increased sleep efficiency in those with a secondary sleep disorder such as jet lag or shift worker syndrome.
User reviews of the efficacy of the supplement are generally positive. Most users report falling asleep quickly after taking 3 mg to 6 mg melatonin. Some users report morning grogginess.
How to Take Melatonin
Melatonin can be taken in pill, capsule or sublingual tablet form. The recommended dosages depend on the effects desired. In most cases, people take between .5 mg and 6 mg daily.
Melatonin has been tested, in some cases, for several months at a time without significant issues. Common doses in melatonin studies include:
- Three mg daily for four weeks to increase REM sleep.
- Six mg daily to reduce the amount of time necessary to fall asleep at night.
- When traveling east through five time zones or more, 2 to 3 mg can be useful when taken at the local bedtime in the new destination. This should be done on the day of arrival and for two to five days afterward. Both slow-release and quick-release melatonin are useful for this purpose.
Some studies suggest that fast-release melatonin is more effective for people who wish to fall asleep more quickly.
- Time-released formula for more restful sleep
- Reduces insomnia, jet lag and daytime fatigue
- Delay signs of aging and improve metabolism
Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
One of the reasons why the legal status of melatonin in the UK is frustrating for many residents of this country has to do with the strong safety record of this product.
Melatonin is generally seen as safe for most individuals. The most commonly reported side effects of melatonin are nausea, dizziness, headache and daytime drowsiness. Some people report intense or unpleasant dreams when under the influence of melatonin.
Taken in larger than recommended quantities, melatonin intoxication can occur. In one individual in the U.S., a dose of 24 mg melatonin led to lethargy and disorientation.
Anecdotal reports exist of extremely high doses of melatonin. When take in quantities for recreational purposes, people taking doses that ranged from 15 to 50 mg melatonin reported slurred speech, disorientation, memory loss over a period of days, brain fog and dizziness.
People taking high doses also reported insomnia after melatonin use was discontinued.
There is also the possibility that melatonin may interact with other medications. Melatonin may increase the effect of some blood thinners for one hour after it is taken.
There are some reports of minor bleeding occurring when taking melatonin with warfarin. People who suffer seizures may see an increase in frequency when taking melatonin.
Melatonin may be dangerous during pregnancy. It can also, in high doses, interfere with ovulation.
Because of this, people who are or wish to become pregnant should not take melatonin. Single doses of melatonin are considered safe for children, but prolonged use is not recommended.
Before buying melatonin to import to the UK, check with a doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you or not.
- Melatonin for Treatment of Sleep Disorders: Summary – National Center for Biotechnology Information
- Melatonin – Natural Medicines Database
- http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-az/medicines-why-are-some-not-available-in-the-uk-762721.html
