You might have seen several advertisements with captions like, “Sleep like a baby”, “Blissful and sound sleep”, “Sleep tight, wake up with no hangover”, etc.
Unlike prescribed medications, these supplements do not undergo rigorous checks by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), leading to variability that could have consequences.
Dr Ravindra Mehta says, “these products are classic prototypes of OTC products which come with ingredients which are not necessarily prescription medications or regulated.”
Dr Satyanarayana Mysore, explains that melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle and is naturally produced by the brain’s pineal gland.
“High stress levels, blue light from screens, consuming caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, further impact melatonin levels leading to sleep disturbances,” he explains.
While short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe, long-term effects and safety in people, especially adolescents, remain under-studied, claim doctors.
“It is essential to address the root cause of sleep difficulties rather than relying on supplements. It’s wise to consult a paediatrician before giving this to kids,” adds Dr Sheetal
Chaurasia.