Need a better night's sleep? Melatonin supplements may help.

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by your body, is associated with your sleep cycle. Your body's melatonin levels increase as darkness approaches, peak during the night and decrease as dawn arrives.

Certain things can throw off this cycle. For instance, being exposed to light when you'd normally be sleeping — like during shift work — can affect this rhythm. Chronic illnesses, increased age and some medicines also can decrease melatonin production.

Are supplements right for you?

Melatonin supplements may be helpful for people who have trouble sleeping, in part because they may increase low levels of melatonin.

In these people, research suggests that melatonin supplements can:

• Reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
• Increase total sleep time.
• Improve quality of sleep.

Melatonin is considered fairly safe in the short term. Some people may experience daytime sleepiness and tiredness after waking. But it has fewer side effects than prescription sleep drugs. Melatonin doesn't cause dependence, for example.

If you're considering taking a melatonin supplement, talk with your healthcare team. Melatonin can interact with certain drugs. Your care team may recommend adjusting your medicine or supplement dosages for the best effects.