Sleep disturbance isn’t unusual in times of stress, and a recent study shows more people are taking Melatonin and other help them get to sleep, but does it really help?

Local psychiatrist and sleep physician, Dr. Christopher Earle says melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the pineal gland in response to decreased light. Melatonin can be bought as a dietary supplement which is commonly taken as a sleep aid, and Dr. Earle says the study shows a significant increase in the use of Melatonin in recent years.

He says the onset of the pandemic may be to blame.

While generally considered to be safe, it’s not considered to be very beneficial. He says there isn’t any evidence of severe health effects, or long-term effects, but the benefits are not as great as some might think.

He says the research shows some small benefits for sleep onset, but no real benefit in preventing wake ups in the middle of the night. Clinical practice guidelines for adults with insomnia don’t recommend using melatonin at all says Earle.