Melatonin and Sleepy Herbal Remedies: Check Before Combining
Sleep & NighttimeArticleShow your pharmacist the exact products before adding a bedtime herbal remedy.
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If you take melatonin, check before adding a herbal bedtime remedy. The NHS1 says not to take herbal remedies that make you feel sleepy while taking melatonin: they can increase its sedating effects and make you much more drowsy.1
Gather the actual products
- Have your melatonin packaging and instructions available.
- Show the herbal product’s packaging, including its ingredients.
- List your other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements. NHS1 guidance says to tell your doctor or pharmacist about these.1
Ask before adding it
Try: “I take this melatonin and was considering this herbal bedtime product. Can you check the ingredients and my full medicine list, and explain what I should do?”
The NHS1 also says there is not enough information to establish that other, non-drowsy herbal remedies and supplements are safe with melatonin.1
Keep the pharmacist’s advice with your product information. Have them clarify any instruction you do not understand.
Did I Do That in My Sleep? includes a Visit Brief. Use it to organize product details and questions for your appointment. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
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