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Melatonin

Aliases: N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine

Last verified: 2026-09-24

Approved drugStrong evidenceSmall moleculesMedium interest

The short version

Melatonin on a peptide vendor's list is a categorical irony: it is not a peptide, not a research substance, and has a stronger evidence base than 90% of the items on those vendor lists. As a molecule it is simple and effective at its narrow job — shifting the clock. The gray 'melatonin peptide' version (mostly in sprays or combo products) solves a problem that does not exist: standard melatonin is cheap, available and well characterized. It is included here as a reminder: catalog breadth and depth of knowledge are not the same thing — melatonin has both, and serves as a reference point.

Identity & type

Molecular type
hormone (indole)
Molecular weight
232 Da
Origin
An endogenous hormone; the synthetic version is identical to the natural molecule.

Mechanism of action

A pineal hormone synthesized from tryptophan (serotonin → melatonin); it binds MT1/MT2 receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus — the master circadian clock — and sends the 'night' signal; it does not 'knock out' directly but shifts the phase response of organs.

Dosing & routes

Official / clinical context

Regulatory status varies (OTC vs prescription); AASM and other guidelines cover its use.

Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.

Community-reported practice

In 'peptide' communities it is rarely used as a mono-supplement; more often in sleep combinations (with DSIP, Selank) or anti-aging courses. Raising doses above 3–5 mg regularly gives morning grogginess without added benefit.

Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.

Protocol — official vs community

Official / label

Approved for sleep (Circadin 2 mg prolonged-release in EU; 1–10 mg immediate-release widely used). Jet lag: 0.5–5 mg at destination bedtime.

  1. 01Start 1–2 mg 30–60 min before bed; increase if needed

Duration: Chronic or episodic by indication.

More is not better — supraphysiologic doses cause next-day grogginess and can dysregulate the rhythm they're meant to fix.

Community (anecdotal)

0.3–1 mg (physiologic microdose) to 3–5 mg (standard) 60 min before bed; extended-release for sleep maintenance.

Cycle:
Continuous or episodic.
Break:
N/A.

The microdose-vs-megadose debate (0.3 mg vs 10 mg gummies) is the community's longest-running pharmacology argument.

Human evidence

Strong for circadian indications (jet lag, DSWPD), moderate for chronic insomnia; thousands of participants in meta-analyses.

Preclinical evidence

Enormous: circadian biology, antioxidant literature, neuroprotection models — but most 'anti-aging' claims from cell studies have not been clinically confirmed.

Known risks

  • Morning grogginess and driving while drowsy after dosingcharacterized
  • Interactions with anticoagulants/immunomodulators (theoretical)theoretical

Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.

Unknowns & evidence gaps

  • Long-term safety of >10 mg doses over years (rarely studied)
  • Optimal timing relative to individual chronotype

Frequently asked questions

References

  1. AASM Clinical Practice Guideline — pharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia (2017)
  2. Meta-analyses of melatonin for sleep latency and quality (Cochrane and post-2013 reviews)