Melatonin is a hormone that helps to control your body's sleep pattern and sleep–wake cycle. The level of melatonin in your body increases soon after the onset of darkness and is highest between 2–3 am. Melatonin production is suppressed by light. It seems that less melatonin is produced as you age. In New Zealand melatonin is available as tablets and capsules and has different uses.
A slow release tablet (it releases melatonin slowly over a few hours) is available on prescription and it can be prescribed to help with sleep problems in people over 55 years.
Melatonin can be purchased for this use following a discussion with a pharmacist who has completed melatonin certification. It is best to use melatonin for a short time only to help you get back into a good sleep habit.
