Melatonin
Information on melatonin in the UK including Circadin prescriptions for sleep problems and jet lag. Learn who is eligible and how it is used.
Melatonin treatments
Compare treatments and medications for Melatonin. Find licensed online clinics that deliver medicines safely after an online consultation.
Available treatments
Compare 2 treatments for Melatonin, with prices from £47 at licensed online providers.
Understanding Sleep Struggles and Melatonin — Your GP's Guide
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. In the UK it is a prescription medicine most often used for short-term insomnia in adults over 55 and for sleep problems in some children with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Your Guide to Melatonin Treatments
Resetting Your Sleep Cycle: A Clinical Approach
What is melatonin?
The body makes melatonin naturally as it gets dark. Supplements can help when natural production is disrupted, such as in jet lag, shift work or age-related insomnia.
When to seek medical advice
See a GP for ongoing sleep problems. Melatonin is not usually first-line; sleep hygiene and behavioural approaches often come first.
Available treatments
Prolonged-release melatonin (Circadin, Slenyto) is licensed in the UK. Unlicensed immediate-release formulations may be prescribed in certain cases. Doses usually range from 1 to 5 mg.
What to expect
Melatonin is taken 1 to 2 hours before bed. It helps some people fall asleep faster but effects vary from person to person.
Self-care
Keep consistent sleep and wake times, avoid screens before bed, limit caffeine after midday, keep the bedroom cool and dark, and manage stress.
How Prescriptsy compares providers
We compare available options using verifiable attributes, not clinical suitability. Only a doctor working for the chosen provider can make that assessment.
We consider indicative price and availability, the consultation and prescription route, and public information about the provider and its licences.
Prescriptsy may receive a fee after a referral. This does not change the user's price or determine the medical information we publish.
Prices, stock and terms can change. Always verify final details with the provider; display order is not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
Medical information across the site was reviewed by Dr. E. Maescu (20 July 2026).