[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Other hypnotics (melatonin agonists and orexin antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-hypnotics/) › Melatonin

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Other hypnotics (melatonin agonists and orexin antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-hypnotics/)

# Melatonin

The body's darkness hormone, taken as a medicine or supplement for jet lag and some sleep-timing problems. Evidence for chronic insomnia is weak.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Other hypnotics (melatonin agonists and orexin antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-hypnotics/)
- Receptor: Melatonin receptor MT1
- ATC code: N05CH01

◎**Melatonin receptor MT1**Melatonin

ⓘ The figure shows 2-iodomelatonin, a close melatonin analogue that occupies the same site, bound to the human MT1 receptor with its G protein; no clean structure with melatonin itself on MT1 is listed.

**Target in 3D:** Melatonin receptor MT1. PDB structure 7VGY (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/7VGY) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## Mechanism of action

Melatonin is made by the pineal gland in darkness and tells the body's 24-hour clock that it is night. Taken as a medicine, it stimulates MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain's clock, which can shift the timing of sleep.

- Darkness: the pineal gland releases melatonin
- Melatonin stimulates MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain's clock
- The body clock shifts toward night and sleep

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Given by mouth; most products are made synthetically

## Indications

- Jet lag, especially after eastward travel (limited evidence)
- Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder
- Some sleep problems in children, after behavioural measures
- Insomnia: evidence is insufficient for chronic insomnia [Insomnia disorder →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/insomnia-disorder/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Daytime sleepiness in older adults

### Serious (rare, important)

- Allergic reactions
- Accidental ingestion by young children, especially of flavoured gummies

## Contraindications

- Allergy to melatonin products
- Not advised in people with dementia (guidelines)

## Key interactions

**Blood thinners (anticoagulants)**
Possible interaction; checked with the prescriber

**Antiseizure medicines**
Possible interaction in people with epilepsy

## What is monitored

- Daytime drowsiness, especially in older adults
- Whether sleep timing actually improves

## Administration and safety

- Given by mouth
- Supplement products vary in content; a regulated product is preferred
- Stored out of reach of children

## Nursing care

- Ask about all supplements, including melatonin, during medication history
- Teach sleep hygiene and light exposure as first steps
- Teach safe storage of gummies away from children

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Research in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so safety is not established.

## Memory aid

Melatonin: «the hormone of the night» – shifts the clock (jet lag) more than it knocks you out.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which gland makes melatonin, and what triggers its release?

The pineal gland, in response to darkness.

## For which travel problem does melatonin have some evidence?

Jet lag, especially after flying east.

## Why is safe storage of melatonin gummies important?

Accidental ingestion by young children is a serious concern.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/melatonin/)

## Related drugs

- [Ramelteon](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/ramelteon/)
- [Suvorexant](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/suvorexant/)

## Related conditions

- [Insomnia disorder](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/insomnia-disorder/)

[← Back to the class: Other hypnotics (melatonin agonists and orexin antagonists)](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-hypnotics/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Melatonin: What You Need To Know](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know) (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N05CH01) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); [7VGY: Melatonin receptor1-2-Iodomelatonin-Gicomplex](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/7VGY) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2022).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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