drusillas_rain

My eight year old son takes it (1mg) before bed and it works like a charm. He falls asleep w/in 15-30 minutes. No side effects. No problems waking up. It is a godsend. Before 8 months ago, he used to be awake for 1-3 hrs before falling asleep talking and playing. He's autistic and there have been several studies that show sleep onset issues due to melatonin deficiency in people on the spectrum.

From the melatonin studies I've read up on, if you (an this can be a neurotypical person) are having sleep onset issues, it could be a melatonin deficiency. If that's the case, it usually helps reduce sleep onset time without side effects. It isn't a sedative so there aren't the typical issues associated w/sleeping aids (like waking difficulties and grogginess). On the other hand, if your sleep issues aren't 'onset' issues or related to melatonin deficiency, it probably won't help you at all. It's been demonstrated to be safe, so there isn't much harm in trying it and seeing if it helps. Most adults take 3-5mg. Most doctors recommend starting lower and you can always increase the amount if you feel you need to.

I hope that helps.