Melatonin Treatment

Name: Hola Health
Address: Australia
Telephone: +611300014652
Price range: $

Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, helping improve sleep quality and manage insomnia. Get instant access to AHPRA-accredited online doctors and medical practitioners, 24/7 from anywhere in Australia.

This guide does not replace professional care. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately.

About melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Its production is influenced by the body’s internal clock, with levels rising in the evening to promote relaxation and sleep, and decreasing in the morning to encourage wakefulness. Melatonin release is triggered by darkness, while exposure to bright light, especially from screens, can suppress its production, making it harder to fall asleep. Factors such as excessive screen time, high stress levels, aging, shift work, and irregular sleep schedules can disrupt melatonin production, leading to sleep disturbances like insomnia. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine, reducing blue light exposure before bed, and managing stress can naturally support healthy melatonin levels and improve sleep quality. Consult a health care professional if you have persistent issues with sleep.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

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When to consult a doctor for melatonin treatment?

A GP can assess your sleep concerns, recommend appropriate melatonin treatment, and provide guidance on dosage and duration. You should consider consulting a GP for melatonin treatment if you experience:

Persistent sleep issues: Difficulty falling or staying asleep despite good sleep hygiene.
Jet lag or shift work disorder: Trouble adjusting to new time zones or irregular work hours.
Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS): A natural tendency to fall asleep very late and wake up late.
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty sleeping caused by mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Chronic insomnia: Ongoing sleep difficulties affecting daily life and well-being.
Concerns about melatonin use: If you’re unsure about the right dosage, potential interactions, or long-term effects.

What are the common symptoms of melatonin deficiency?

Melatonin deficiency can disrupt sleep and impact overall well-being. Some common symptoms include:

Difficulty falling asleep: Trouble initiating sleep or experiencing insomnia.
Frequent night wakings: Waking up multiple times during the night and struggling to fall back asleep.
Daytime fatigue: Feeling tired, sluggish, or lacking energy throughout the day.
Mood changes: Increased stress, irritability, anxiety, or symptoms of depression.
Weakened immune system: More frequent illnesses due to reduced immune function.
Cognitive issues: Trouble focusing, memory lapses, or brain fog.

What are the causes for melatonin deficiency?

Melatonin deficiency can result from various factors, including:

Excessive screen time: Blue light from phones, tablets, and computers suppresses melatonin production.
Irregular sleep schedule: Shift work, jet lag, or inconsistent bedtime routines can disrupt melatonin levels.
Chronic stress: High cortisol levels interfere with melatonin production.
Aging: Natural melatonin levels decline with age, leading to sleep disturbances.
Poor diet: Deficiencies in magnesium, zinc, or tryptophan (an amino acid needed for melatonin production) can contribute.
Caffeine & alcohol consumption: Both can suppress melatonin release and disrupt sleep patterns.

How to manage melatonin?

To restore healthy melatonin levels, consider the following:

Reduce blue light exposure: Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime or use blue-light-blocking glasses.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends.
Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Create a dark sleeping environment: Use blackout curtains and limit artificial light at night.
Improve diet: Eat melatonin-boosting foods like nuts, cherries, bananas, and dairy.
Consult a doctor: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, consult a doctor about melatonin

What happens if I have too little melatonin?

Melatonin deficiency can lead to difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and a weakened immune system. Long-term deficiency may contribute to anxiety, depression, and metabolic issues.

What are natural ways to boost melatonin levels?

Exposure to natural light during the day, reducing screen time before bed, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and eating melatonin-rich foods (such as cherries, nuts, and dairy) can help increase melatonin production naturally.

What happens if I have too much melatonin?

Excessive melatonin can cause drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and disruptions in your sleep-wake cycle. Overuse may also lead to hormonal imbalances, mood changes, and digestive issues.

How much sleep do I need?

The amount of sleep you need depends on your age, lifestyle, and overall health. The general recommendations are:

Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
Infants (4-12 months): 12-16 hours (including naps)
Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
School-age children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
Teenagers (13-18 years): 8-10 hours
Adults (18-64 years): 7-9 hours
Older adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours

What kind of sleep disorders do Australians usually have?

Sleep disorders are common in Australia, with many people experiencing difficulties falling or staying asleep. Some of the most prevalent sleep disorders include:

Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often linked to stress, anxiety, or poor sleep habits.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA): A condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockage, leading to snoring and poor sleep quality.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often causing discomfort and disrupting sleep.
Narcolepsy: A rare neurological disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
Circadian rhythm disorders: Issues like shift work sleep disorder or delayed sleep phase syndrome, where the body’s internal clock is misaligned with normal sleep times.
Parasomnias: Unusual behaviours during sleep, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, or talking in sleep.

Can I speak to a doctor online regarding my melatonin deficiency?

Yes, you can consult an online doctor or registered practitioner via a telehealth appointment to discuss melatonin deficiency, its symptoms, and possible treatments. To access an instant consult:

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Speak to an AHPRA-accredited medical practitioner within 15 minutes
If approved, get online prescriptions, blood test referrals to your phone.

What type of referrals do Hola Health provide?

Hola Health provides online referrals if further assessment is needed or if your vitamin B12 deficiency is causing other issues. Hola Health provides referrals to

How can I get a medical certificate online?

If you need a medical certificate online for work or school due to illness or sleep-related issues, telehealth doctors can assess your condition and provide medical certificates through email if needed.

Is telehealth suitable for mental health concerns related to sleep issues?

Yes, telehealth allows you to speak to a qualified general practitioner trained in mental health for sleep-related anxiety, stress, or depression. They can offer fully bulk billed mental health care plans if necessary.

How can we help?

Access licensed healthcare practitioners 24/7 and get medical certificates, prescriptions, and referrals within minutes—all from the comfort of your home.

Why choose telehealth?

Telehealth appointments: Speak with an AHPRA-registered doctor via telehealth within 15 minutes
24/7 Availability: Access 24-hour doctor services, no matter where you are in Australia.
Instant scripts: Get online scripts approved by licensed practitioners and have them dispensed at your local pharmacy or delivered through online pharmacy services.
Online medical certificates: Easily request a sick certificate online for work, school, or carer duties without leaving home.
Online referrals: Receive specialist referrals, blood test referrals, and pathology & radiology referrals from a GP online.
Accessible mental health support: Get bulk-billed mental health care plans from trusted professionals.

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