Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the body especially increased at night time and is secreted in the brain. It is thought that some people have less melatonin and being prescribed melatonin that comes in various doses can help with the sleep patterns.

My son was prescribed melatonin years ago to help with his disturbed sleep patterns. He originally started on a small dose but presently takes four mgs of melatonin and three mgs of slow release melatonin that as it suggests releases the melatonin through the night. From the start of using melatonin there was a definite improvement to his sleep and usually within thirty or so minutes of taking the drug he becomes more relaxed.

Doesn't work throughout the day but works by taking in the evening when it is becoming darker. I tend to have the lights on dim as light will stimulate the brain and make taking the melatonin less effective.

We also use it to try help reduce my sons seizures as he gets less tired by having a better sleep though when having seizures or had seizures throughout the day I find it less likely to work and I can only think that it's because my son's day has started after sleeping off the seizure so genuinely no tired or sleepy.

Melatonin is available only on prescription in the uk and not in available to purchase from a pharmacy and doesn't leave that groggy feeling as natural. Used by many for varied sleep conditions or with varied special needs by children and adults. I have seen it advertised on the internet and believe it is available in some health food shops though I would strongly recommend anyone who wishes to use the drug to seek proper medical advice first from there GP or Health Specialist.

I know many children who take this medication and the parents wouldn't be without it as seems to relax the child without causs any unpleasant side effects. I'm aware that adults take this medication to for various conditions.

Melatonin is a natural hormone that works with the twentyfour hour body clock we have and people who do shift work use it or is also used for jet lag etc though I would recommend if you have sleep related issues maybe taking some advice from your GP before taking it.

For my son it works brilliantly and is effected.