Product note
Melatonin
A timing tool rather than a sleeping pill, and a conversation to have with your doctor.
Price band: Budget ($), $8–$20
What it's for
- Nudging your body clock towards destination time
- Used with light timing as part of a jet lag plan, not on its own
Who it's for
- Travellers crossing several time zones who have discussed it with a clinician
- People who understand it works by timing rather than by sedation
What to look for
- The dose is something to settle with your doctor or pharmacist, and bigger is not better for body-clock shifting
- Immediate release unless a clinician advised prolonged release
- Clear labelling of the actual dose per tablet
- Legal status at your destination: it is prescription-only in many countries, including much of Europe
Honest downsides
- Can cause grogginess, vivid dreams, and headache
- Interacts with blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and some antidepressants
- Over-the-counter products vary widely from their labelled dose
- Take it at the wrong hour and you can push your body clock the wrong way
Where to buy
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