Melatonin is a hormone produced by your body that helps regulate sleep. If you need more sleep, you can increase your melatonin levels by taking melatonin products.
Erin Day
Melatonin is released by the pineal gland.
Melatonin can be taken through supplements. These can come in the form of capsules, tablets, sublingual patches, and inhalers.
Mayo Clinic says melatonin has been used to improve circadian rhythm sleep disorders in the blind, delayed sleep-wake phase sleep disorder, insomnia, jet lag, shift work disorder, and sleep-wake cycle disorder.
According to WebMD, consumers spent around $437 million on melatonin supplements in the U.S. during 2017. More than 3 million people take it, a number that is only growing.
The Patch
The effects of supplements are different for everyone because their melatonin levels may vary.
Huffpost says there is a patch you can place on your body that administers the hormone through your skin.
There are also sublingual patches and patches you can put in your cheek.
Pills
Pills can come in different forms like capsules and tablets.
They have a longer shelf life than other forms and are usually tasteless. However, they may be difficult to swallow.
Inhalers
Melatonin inhalers have come out too. These are designed to cut down the absorption time, according to Rolling Stone.
Others
Other forms of melatonin come in gummies, sprays, creams, and powders.