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What can I take to sleep instead of melatonin?

Other supplements including magnesium, valerian root, tart cherry, L-theanine, lavender essential oil, and GABA are worth considering as alternatives to melatonin.

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Pre-pandemic it was reported that more than one-third of Americans struggled to get a good night’s sleep. Since COVID became part of our everyday existence, that number jumped to 56 percent in a 2021 survey (1) from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). In search of rest, half of us have turned to sleep aids—including melatonin. But according to a task force of sleep medicine experts commissioned by the AASM, you shouldn’t use the supplement (2) for chronic insomnia, so you’re better off looking for melatonin alternatives. Melatonin isn’t meant for long-term use. What’s more, it won’t solve underlying health problems such as anxiety or sleep apnea that may be causing your disrupted sleep, says Jenna Gress Smith, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and founder of Arizona Sleep & Health. “Restless legs syndrome or mood disorders like depression can also cause insomnia, and those may require medical treatment,” says Gress Smith. Melatonin can also interact with prescription drugs (3) such as those used to treat diabetes and high blood pressure, contraceptives, and anticoagulants—which is one reason why melatonin alternatives may be better if you are on drugs to treat a medical condition. One caveat: Taking a sleep aid—either prescription medication or one of the below natural sleep aids—can be a temporary solution to help you drop off after a stressful day. But relying on them long-term means that something may be wrong with your sleep schedule or your health, says Gress Smith. “If you need help falling asleep for an extended period of time, think about what’s keeping you awake—a busy mind? Too much caffeine? Eating too late at night or using your electronics close to bedtime?— and whether you need to rethink your evening routine, or check in with a health professional.”

The Best Melatonin Alternatives

What can you use to nod off besides melatonin?

There are loads of “natural” products on the market, but keep in mind that natural doesn’t always mean safer or healthier. Plus, the Food and Drug Administration does not approve the safety or efficacy of supplements as drugs, including potential side effects. So it’s important to check with your health care provider before making any additions to your pre-bedtime routine. That said, here are 7 melatonin alternatives that some experts say may help you wind down at night so you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that supports many of your body’s functions, including nerve and muscle function, says Gress Smith. “Magnesium can have a calming effect on the body. It helps to relax muscles, and helps regulate levels of GABA (or gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for turning off wakefulness.” Some research suggests that magnesium may help reduce mild to moderate anxiety (4), which is notorious for keeping you up at night. The recommended dietary allowance of magnesium is around 310 to 320 mg for women and 400 to 420 mg for men, but you may not be getting enough. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly half of Americans are at risk for a magnesium deficiency. The best source of magnesium is food (pumpkin seeds and dry roasted almonds are two of the top sources of the mineral) but there are also many supplement options, including the highly-absorbable magnesium glycinate which combines magnesium and the amino acid glycine.

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