Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. The brain produces melatonin in response to darkness, and it plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycle, also known as circadian rhythms [*].
Studies demonstrate that constant exposure to light before bedtime can reduce melatonin levels. This reduction can disturb circadian rhythms and negatively impact sleep, thermoregulation, blood pressure, and glucose homeostasis [***].
A study also proposed that lower levels of melatonin can be a contributing factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). And melatonin supplementation has potential in delaying onset of macular degeneration [*].
Another study demonstrate the potential benefits of low-dose melatonin supplementation among individuals with winter depression (seasonal affective disorder or SAD) [*].
A review by the National Institute of Health (NIH) claims that “Melatonin supplements may help with certain conditions, such as jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, some sleep disorders in children, and anxiety before and after surgery” [*].
Melatonin supplements can be sourced from animals or microorganisms, as well as synthetically produced [*].
There are a variety of melatonin supplements in the market with varying formulations. Some contain melatonin as a single ingredient or part of a blend. Melatonin supplements are generally promoted as a sleep aid.
The popularity of melatonin has led to hundreds of brands flooding the marketplace; however not all supplements are created equal! Unfortunately, more than 90% of melatonin supplements in the market simply DON’T WORK!
We understand the challenges in finding the right supplement for your health needs. That’s why we gathered years of research and made this guide to help you find the top-rated formulas that work for you.
Things To Be Cautious About
Has your brand been third-party tested? You should never buy supplements that don’t have Certificate of Analysis. The studies should be conducted in labs that are not affiliated with the manufacturer. These labs verify the product for safety and potency.
Does your melatonin contain cheap synthetic fillers? Some brands add artificial fillers to cut cost to offer cheap products. Some of these cheap fillers we found were titanium dioxide and artificial coloring. You should never purchase cheap products when it comes to supplements.
No return policy or customer service – A reputable supplement company will offer 100% money-back guarantee policy and provide customer support through phone number and email. We noticed many formulas out there are just copies of the top-rated brands. They don’t offer an easy refund policy or don’t even have a phone number to prove they are real.
Top 5 Melatonin Supplements
The result: we reviewed over 100+ brands of Melatonin Supplements in the market and complied a list of top 5 formulas based on effectiveness, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.
1. Thorne Melaton-5
- Shipping & Return Policy 97%
- Customer Service 96%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 96%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
2. Nature’s Bounty Melatonin
- Shipping & Return Policy 96%
- Customer Service 96%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 94%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
3. Life Extension Melatonin
- Shipping & Return Policy 96%
- Customer Service 96%
- Essential Ingredients 95%
- Effectiveness 94%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
4. Now Melatonin
- Shipping & Return Policy 95%
- Customer Service 94%
- Essential Ingredients 95%
- Effectiveness 93%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
5. Pure Encapsulation Melatonin
- Shipping & Return Policy 95%
- Customer Service 93%
- Essential Ingredients 94%
- Effectiveness 93%
Note: we test purchased this product. We can confirm on-time delivery, reliability and quality product from this brand.
*Individual Results May Vary – Ratings are based on Society Health Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. We encourage consumers to research by visiting each product websites for more information.
Ranking Factors
Shipping & Return Policy: we check the shipping and return policy of each recommended product to make sure these brands stand behind their products.
Customer Service: we contact the top rated brands through email, chat or phone to make sure they are responsive and can answer potential questions customers might have.
Essential Ingredients: we verify the ingredients in every top rated brands, their safety and dosage amount in comparison with the latest scientific studies.
Overall Effectiveness: we check with real customers through their reviews and testimonials to make sure the top brands are as effective as they claim to be. We recommend the top 5 formulas based on their average score.
We highly recommend our reader to do their own research, read real reviews and contact any brands directly to make sure they can provide the products and services based on their needs.
1. Thorne Melaton-5
- Shipping & Return Policy 97%
- Customer Service 96%
- Essential Ingredients 96%
- Effectiveness 96%
*This is a subjective assessment based on the strength of the available information and our independent research and customer feedback. Results may vary based on individual.
Disclosure of Material Connection: we only recommend products and services which we believe will add value to the users. However, you should assume the owner of this website and/or blog has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection, to any suppliers of goods and services that may be discussed here and may be compensated for showing ads or recommending products or services or linking to the supplier’s website.
Sources and Citations
1. Melatonin Effects on Hard Tissues: Bone and Tooth https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676828/
2. Exposure to Room Light before Bedtime Suppresses Melatonin … https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047226/
3. Sensitivity of the human circadian pacemaker to nocturnal light: melatonin phase resetting… https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10922269/
4. Dose-response relationships for resetting of human circadian clock by light https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8596632/
5. Effects of melatonin in age-related macular degeneration https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16399908/
6. Melatonin: What You Need To Know https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know