The British Medical Journal published a study showing no evidence that melatonin is effective in treating secondary sleep disorders or preventing jet lag.



Sleep disorders are a widespread problem and place a burden on society through their negative impact on quality of life, safety, productivity, and healthcare utilisation. Melatonin has been used increasingly as complementary and alternative therapies.

Melatonin is a sleep-regulator hormone that has been recently found to have other benefits as well.

Authors of the above study said however that there is evidence that melatonin is safe with short term use, but further studies are needed to determine its long term safety.