Melatonin vs Prescription Sleep Aids: Complete Comparison Guide
Melatonin vs Prescription Sleep Aids: Complete Comparison Guide
"Should I try melatonin first, or just ask my doctor for Ambien?"
It's one of the most common questions people ask when struggling with sleep—and for good reason.
Prescription sleep medications are powerful, fast-acting, and backed by decades of research. Melatonin is gentler, available without prescription, and comes without the scary warning labels. But which actually works better for YOUR sleep issue?
The truth: This isn't a binary choice between "natural good, pharmaceutical bad" or "prescription strong, supplement weak." Each approach has legitimate use cases, distinct mechanisms, different risk profiles, and specific situations where one clearly outperforms the other. Taking Ambien for jet lag makes as little sense as taking melatonin for acute severe insomnia following a traumatic event.
This guide provides an objective, evidence-based comparison: how each class works, effectiveness for different sleep issues, side effect profiles, dependency and tolerance risks, when prescription medications are clearly superior, when melatonin is appropriate, and how to make an informed decision with your healthcare provider.
We're not here to demonize prescription medications or oversell melatonin—we're here to help you understand which tool fits your specific sleep challenge.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Different Mechanisms
- Prescription Sleep Medications: Overview
- Head-to-Head: Effectiveness Comparison
- Side Effects and Safety Profiles
- Dependency and Tolerance Risks
- Next-Day Functioning and Cognitive Effects
- When Prescription Medications Are Better
- When Melatonin Is the Better Choice
- Combination Strategies
- Transitioning Between Approaches
- Decision Framework: Which Is Right for You?
- Comparison Questions Answered
1. Understanding Different Mechanisms
The fundamental difference between melatonin and prescription sleep aids lies in HOW they work:
Melatonin: Circadian Signal
Mechanism: Works with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle by signaling "it's nighttime."
Primary action: Regulates TIMING of sleep more than forcing sedation.
Secondary action: Mild sleep-promoting effect through melatonin receptors (MT1, MT2).
Analogy: Like dimming the lights to suggest bedtime—gentle signal rather than forced shutdown.
Best for: Circadian rhythm issues (jet lag, shift work, delayed sleep phase).
Benzodiazepines (Valium, Ativan, Restoril)
Mechanism: Enhance GABA (brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter) activity.
Primary action: Suppresses central nervous system—forces sedation.
Effect: Reduces anxiety, induces sleepiness, relaxes muscles.
Analogy: Like flipping a master power switch—forces brain into lower activity state.
Best for: Acute anxiety-driven insomnia, severe short-term sleep disruption.
Z-Drugs (Ambien/zolpidem, Lunesta/eszopiclone, Sonata/zaleplon)
Mechanism: Selective GABA receptor agonists (similar to benzodiazepines but more specific).
Primary action: Induces sleep through targeted brain receptor activation.
Effect: Fast sleep onset (15-30 minutes), shorter duration than benzodiazepines.
Analogy: Like a targeted sleep switch—specific action on sleep centers.
Best for: Sleep onset insomnia when sedation is needed.
Orexin Receptor Antagonists (Belsomra/suvorexant, Dayvigo/lemborexant)
Mechanism: Blocks orexin (wakefulness-promoting neurotransmitter).
Primary action: Reduces wakefulness drive rather than forcing sedation.
Effect: Allows natural sleep processes to occur by removing "wake signal."
Analogy: Removes the foot from accelerator rather than slamming the brakes.
Best for: Sleep onset and maintenance insomnia, may have less abuse potential.
The Key Distinction
Melatonin: Works WITH your natural systems (circadian rhythm).
Prescription sleep aids: Work ON your brain chemistry (forced sedation or wake suppression).
This fundamental difference determines appropriate use cases, side effect profiles, and long-term safety.
2. Prescription Sleep Medications: Overview
Understanding the medication landscape:
Benzodiazepines
Common medications:
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)—prescribed off-label for sleep
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)—prescribed off-label for sleep
Pros:
- Very effective for severe anxiety-driven insomnia
- Also treats anxiety disorders
- Works reliably
Cons:
- High dependency risk
- Tolerance develops rapidly
- Cognitive impairment (memory, coordination)
- Fall risk in older adults
- Withdrawal can be dangerous
- NOT recommended for long-term use
FDA guidance: Short-term use only (2-4 weeks maximum).
Z-Drugs (Non-Benzodiazepine Hypnotics)
Common medications:
- Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR)
- Eszopiclone (Lunesta)
- Zaleplon (Sonata)
Pros:
- Fast onset (15-30 minutes)
- Less next-day hangover than benzodiazepines
- Effective for sleep onset
Cons:
- Dependency still develops (less than benzos but significant)
- Parasomnia risk (sleepwalking, sleep-eating, sleep-driving)
- Tolerance develops
- Cognitive effects (especially Ambien)
- Rebound insomnia when stopping
FDA warning: Reduced doses recommended, especially for women (slower metabolism).
Orexin Receptor Antagonists
Common medications:
- Suvorexant (Belsomra)
- Lemborexant (Dayvigo)
Pros:
- Novel mechanism (less abuse potential)
- Helps sleep onset AND maintenance
- Lower dependency risk than benzos/Z-drugs
- More natural sleep architecture
Cons:
- Expensive (often not covered by insurance)
- Can cause next-day drowsiness
- Less research on long-term use
- Some users report vivid dreams
Antidepressants (Off-Label for Sleep)
Common medications:
- Trazodone
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Doxepin (low-dose)
Pros:
- Not controlled substances (less abuse potential)
- Also treats depression/anxiety
- May help sleep maintenance
Cons:
- Not FDA-approved for insomnia (off-label use)
- Side effects (weight gain, daytime sedation, dry mouth)
- Can worsen certain conditions
- Tolerance develops
3. Head-to-Head: Effectiveness Comparison
How do they compare for different sleep issues?
Sleep Onset (Falling Asleep)
Prescription medications WIN for acute situations:
- Z-drugs: Sleep onset reduced by 20-30 minutes (strong effect)
- Benzodiazepines: Sleep onset reduced by 15-20 minutes
- Orexin antagonists: Sleep onset reduced by 15-20 minutes
Melatonin: Modest effect for appropriate situations:
- Sleep onset reduced by 7-12 minutes (meta-analysis)
- More effective when cause is circadian-related (jet lag, DSPS)
- Less effective when cause is anxiety or acute stress
Verdict: Prescriptions are more powerful for pure sedation need. Melatonin works when timing is the issue.
Sleep Maintenance (Staying Asleep)
Prescription medications: Mixed results
- Extended-release formulations (Ambien CR, Lunesta): Moderate improvement
- Orexin antagonists: Better for maintenance than Z-drugs
- Benzodiazepines: Help maintenance but at cost of sleep quality
Melatonin: Generally ineffective
- Largely metabolized within 2-3 hours
- Extended-release formulations show minimal benefit
- Not designed for sleep maintenance
Verdict: Prescriptions have edge for middle-of-night waking, but effectiveness still limited.
Total Sleep Time
Prescription medications:
- Increase total sleep by 25-35 minutes on average
- Individual variation significant
Melatonin:
- Increases total sleep by 8-13 minutes on average
- More effective in certain populations (older adults, DSPS)
Verdict: Prescriptions provide more total sleep time, but difference isn't dramatic.
Sleep Quality (Subjective)
Prescription medications: Paradoxical findings
- Users report feeling more rested
- BUT: Sleep architecture is disrupted (less REM, altered slow-wave sleep)
- "Sedation" ≠ restorative natural sleep
Melatonin:
- Preserves natural sleep architecture
- Subjective quality improvement is modest
- Doesn't disrupt sleep stages
Verdict: Prescriptions feel more powerful but may reduce true sleep quality. Melatonin preserves natural sleep.
Specific Use Cases
| Sleep Issue | Prescription Winner | Melatonin Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Jet lag | ❌ Poor choice | ✅ Clear winner |
| Shift work | ⚠️ Complicated | ✅ Better for circadian adaptation |
| Acute stress insomnia | ✅ Fast relief needed | ❌ Insufficient |
| Chronic insomnia | ⚠️ Short-term only | ⚠️ Part of broader approach |
| Anxiety-driven | ✅ Addresses root cause | ❌ Doesn't address anxiety |
| DSPS (delayed sleep phase) | ❌ Doesn't shift rhythm | ✅ Actually corrects timing |
| Older adult sleep onset | ⚠️ High fall risk | ✅ Safer option |
4. Side Effects and Safety Profiles {#4-side-effects-safety}
Comparing adverse effects:
Common Side Effects
Prescription sleep medications:
- Daytime drowsiness: 15-30% of users (dose-dependent)
- Cognitive impairment: Memory problems, confusion (especially benzos)
- Dizziness and falls: Major concern for older adults
- Dry mouth, headache: Common with many medications
- Parasomnias: Sleepwalking, sleep-eating (especially Ambien)
- Rebound insomnia: When stopping (especially benzos)
Melatonin:
- Daytime drowsiness: 5-10% (usually dose-related)
- Headache: 5-8%
- Dizziness: 3-5%
- Nausea: 3-5%
- Vivid dreams: 2-5%
- Morning grogginess: Dose-dependent (reduced with liposomal delivery)
Verdict: Melatonin has significantly milder and less frequent side effects.
Serious Safety Concerns
Prescription medications:
- Fall risk in elderly: Fractures, hospitalizations
- Respiratory depression: Risk with sleep apnea
- Complex sleep behaviors: Driving, eating while asleep
- Drug interactions: Multiple significant interactions
- Overdose risk: Particularly when combined with alcohol
- Paradoxical reactions: Increased agitation in some users
Melatonin:
- Serious adverse events extremely rare
- Main concerns: drug interactions (blood thinners, immunosuppressants)
- No respiratory depression
- No overdose risk (even at very high doses)
Verdict: Prescription medications carry substantially higher safety risks.
Contraindications
Who should NOT take prescription sleep aids:
- History of substance abuse (benzos, Z-drugs)
- Sleep apnea (respiratory suppression risk)
- Severe liver disease (impaired metabolism)
- Pregnancy (Category D—evidence of risk)
- Operating heavy machinery next day
Who should NOT take melatonin:
- Pregnant/breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- Autoimmune disorders (stimulates immune function)
- Seizure disorders (may lower threshold)
- Children without medical supervision
Complete melatonin safety guide →
5. Dependency and Tolerance Risks
Critical long-term considerations:
Physical Dependence
Benzodiazepines:
- ✅ HIGH risk—physical dependence develops within 2-4 weeks
- Withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, tremors, seizures (potentially dangerous)
- Requires medical supervision to taper off
- Addiction potential recognized
Z-Drugs:
- ✅ MODERATE-HIGH risk—dependence develops, though less severe than benzos
- Withdrawal symptoms: Rebound insomnia, anxiety
- Psychological and physical dependence both occur
Orexin antagonists:
- ⚠️ LOW-MODERATE risk—newer, less data, appears lower than benzos/Z-drugs
- Some dependency reported but less severe
Melatonin:
- ❌ NO physical dependence
- No withdrawal symptoms
- Can stop abruptly without tapering
- Psychological dependency possible but not physical
Verdict: Prescription medications carry significant dependence risk. Melatonin does not.
Tolerance Development
Benzodiazepines:
- ✅ Rapid tolerance—often need dose escalation within weeks
- Effectiveness diminishes over time
- Higher doses = higher dependency risk
Z-Drugs:
- ✅ Moderate tolerance—develops more slowly than benzos
- Some users maintain effectiveness longer
- Still requires periodic dose increases
Orexin antagonists:
- ⚠️ Less clear—limited long-term data
- Appears to develop less tolerance than older medications
Melatonin:
- ❌ Minimal tolerance—most users maintain effectiveness at original dose
- Studies up to 2 years show sustained benefit
- True receptor tolerance uncommon
Verdict: Prescription medications often require escalating doses. Melatonin maintains effectiveness.
6. Next-Day Functioning and Cognitive Effects
How each affects daytime performance:
Morning Grogginess
Benzodiazepines: Long half-life means significant next-day impairment (6-8 hours or more).
Z-Drugs: Shorter half-life but still cause morning grogginess in 15-25% of users.
Orexin antagonists: Variable—some users report significant next-day drowsiness.
Melatonin: Minimal next-day effects at appropriate doses (0.3-3mg). Dose-dependent.
Cognitive Function
Prescription medications:
- Memory impairment (especially benzos)
- Reduced reaction time
- Impaired judgment
- "Brain fog" commonly reported
- Effects persist beyond perceived drowsiness
Melatonin:
- No significant cognitive impairment at therapeutic doses
- Memory effects not reported
- Reaction time unaffected
Driving and Safety
FDA warning (2013): Reduced recommended doses for zolpidem (Ambien) due to impaired next-day driving—even 8 hours after taking.
Benzodiazepines: Significantly impair driving ability next day.
Melatonin: No driving restriction or FDA warnings.
Work Performance
Prescription medications: Studies show measurable impairment in:
- Complex problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Fine motor skills
- Attention and concentration
Melatonin: No measurable workplace performance impairment.
Verdict: Prescription medications significantly impair next-day function. Melatonin does not.
7. When Prescription Medications Are Better
Situations where prescriptions are clinically appropriate:
Acute Severe Insomnia
Scenario: Major life trauma, death of loved one, acute medical crisis causing severe sleep disruption.
Why prescriptions: Fast, powerful relief when sleep deprivation becoming dangerous.
Recommended: Short-term benzodiazepines or Z-drugs (1-2 weeks maximum).
Melatonin role: Insufficient for acute crisis.
Severe Anxiety-Driven Insomnia
Scenario: Clinical anxiety disorder preventing sleep despite exhaustion.
Why prescriptions: Benzos address both anxiety and sleep (dual benefit).
Recommended: Benzodiazepines short-term while establishing therapy and other treatments.
Melatonin role: Doesn't address anxiety mechanism.
Chronic Insomnia Unresponsive to CBT-I
Scenario: Failed cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, sleep hygiene, and other behavioral approaches.
Why prescriptions: May need pharmaceutical intervention as part of comprehensive treatment.
Recommended: Orexin antagonists or low-dose doxepin (longer-term safer options).
Melatonin role: May have been tried unsuccessfully.
Sleep Disorders Requiring Sedation
Scenario: Certain medical procedures, hospitalization, specific sleep disorders.
Why prescriptions: Need reliable, predictable sedation.
Melatonin role: Too unreliable for medical sedation needs.
When Other Treatments Have Failed
Scenario: Tried everything else—sleep hygiene, therapy, melatonin, lifestyle changes.
Why prescriptions: Sometimes necessary when quality of life severely impacted.
Approach: Under close medical supervision, lowest effective dose, periodic reassessment.
8. When Melatonin Is the Better Choice
Situations where melatonin is clinically superior:
Jet Lag
Why melatonin: Specifically addresses circadian misalignment—exactly what jet lag is.
Evidence: Strong research support.
Why prescriptions fail: Sedation doesn't retrain circadian rhythm.
Shift Work Sleep Disorder
Why melatonin: Helps circadian adaptation to non-standard schedules.
Evidence: Moderate support, especially for permanent night shifts.
Why prescriptions fail: Sedation during day doesn't address circadian misalignment.
Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS)
Why melatonin: Actually shifts circadian rhythm earlier when combined with light therapy.
Evidence: Strong research support for DSPS treatment.
Why prescriptions fail: Sedation doesn't change natural rhythm timing.
Older Adults with Mild Sleep Onset Issues
Why melatonin: Addresses genuine age-related melatonin deficiency with minimal risk.
Safety advantage: Much lower fall risk than prescriptions.
Why prescriptions risky: High fall risk, cognitive impairment, drug interactions.
Long-Term Sleep Support
Why melatonin: Safe for extended use (2+ years), no dependency.
Evidence: Maintains effectiveness without dose escalation.
Why prescriptions fail: Not safe for long-term use—tolerance and dependency develop.
Mild Occasional Insomnia
Why melatonin: Appropriate tool for mild issue—don't need heavy sedation.
Risk-benefit: Favorable for intermittent use.
Why prescriptions excessive: Like using sledgehammer for thumbtack.
9. Combination Strategies
When and how to combine approaches:
Transitioning From Prescriptions to Melatonin
Scenario: Weaning off sleeping pills after short-term use.
Protocol (with medical supervision):
- Week 1-2: Continue prescription, add melatonin (0.5-1mg)
- Week 3-4: Reduce prescription by 25-50%, continue melatonin
- Week 5-6: Further reduce prescription, optimize melatonin dose
- Week 7+: Discontinue prescription, continue melatonin if helpful
Important: Never taper benzos without medical supervision—withdrawal can be dangerous.
Short-Term Combination (Medical Supervision Required)
Scenario: Severe insomnia needing both immediate relief and circadian support.
Example: Prescription for immediate sleep onset + melatonin to support circadian adjustment.
Duration: Very short-term only (1-2 weeks).
Risk: Excessive sedation, drug interactions.
Sequential Approach
Recommended pathway:
- Sleep hygiene optimization (2 weeks)
- Add melatonin if insufficient (2 weeks trial)
- If still insufficient, consider CBT-I
- If still insufficient, medical evaluation and possible prescription
Rationale: Escalate intervention intensity based on need.
10. Transitioning Between Approaches
Safe protocols for switching:
From Prescription to Melatonin
Step 1: Medical consultation
- Never taper benzos on your own
- Get physician-supervised taper schedule
- Discuss timing for introducing melatonin
Step 2: Gradual introduction
- Add melatonin while still on prescription
- Start low dose (0.5mg) to avoid excessive sedation
- Give 1-2 weeks for body to adjust
Step 3: Gradual taper
- Reduce prescription slowly (typically 10-25% per week)
- Increase melatonin if needed
- Track sleep quality throughout
Step 4: Complete transition
- Discontinue prescription when tapered to zero
- Optimize melatonin dose and timing
- Maintain sleep hygiene practices
From Melatonin to Prescription
When appropriate: Melatonin insufficient for 2+ weeks, sleep deprivation severe.
Approach:
- Medical evaluation first (rule out sleep disorders)
- Try CBT-I if haven't already
- If prescribing, start melatonin-free (avoid excessive sedation)
- Consider melatonin break 2-3 days before starting prescription
11. Decision Framework: Which Is Right for You?
Step-by-step decision process:
Question 1: Is this acute severe insomnia following major crisis?
- ✅ YES → Prescription may be appropriate (medical consultation)
- ❌ NO → Continue to Question 2
Question 2: Is your sleep issue circadian-rhythm-based?
- ✅ YES (jet lag, shift work, DSPS) → Melatonin is better choice
- ❌ NO → Continue to Question 3
Question 3: Is anxiety driving your insomnia?
- ✅ YES → Address anxiety (therapy, possibly prescription anti-anxiety), melatonin won't help
- ❌ NO → Continue to Question 4
Question 4: Have you optimized sleep hygiene and tried melatonin?
- ❌ NO → Start here first (2 weeks each)
- ✅ YES, tried and insufficient → Continue to Question 5
Question 5: Are you over 65 with multiple medications?
- ✅ YES → Melatonin safer (less fall risk, fewer interactions)
- ❌ NO → Either could be appropriate—medical consultation
Question 6: Do you need long-term sleep support (months-years)?
- ✅ YES → Melatonin is safer for long-term (prescriptions not safe long-term)
- ❌ NO → Either could be appropriate
Result: Consult physician with this analysis to guide decision.
12. Comparison Questions Answered
Is melatonin safer than sleeping pills?
Yes, significantly safer. Melatonin has milder side effects, no physical dependency, no withdrawal symptoms, less cognitive impairment, and is safe for long-term use. Sleeping pills carry risks of falls, cognitive impairment, dependency, and aren't safe for extended use. However, sleeping pills are more powerful when immediate sedation is needed.
Can I take melatonin instead of my prescribed Ambien?
Not without medical supervision. If you're currently taking Ambien regularly, you may have developed dependency—stopping abruptly could cause rebound insomnia. Proper approach: consult your prescribing physician about supervised tapering while introducing melatonin. Never stop sleeping pills on your own.
Why doesn't my doctor recommend melatonin instead of prescribing sleeping pills?
Several reasons: (1) Some physicians aren't trained extensively in supplements, (2) For acute severe insomnia, prescriptions work faster and more reliably, (3) Some patients specifically request prescriptions, (4) For certain sleep disorders, prescriptions are more appropriate. However, many physicians DO recommend trying melatonin first for mild-moderate insomnia.
Is prescription medication stronger proof that I have "real insomnia"?
No. Insomnia is insomnia regardless of treatment. Melatonin works through different mechanism (circadian timing) than prescriptions (sedation). The choice of treatment depends on CAUSE and SEVERITY, not whether your insomnia is "real enough." Both are legitimate medical approaches.
Can I use both melatonin and prescription sleep medication together?
Only under medical supervision. Combining increases sedation risk significantly. If transitioning between approaches, there's a brief overlap period, but this requires physician guidance to avoid excessive sedation and monitor for interactions.
Which is better for long-term use?
Melatonin is clearly safer for long-term use. Research supports safety for 2+ years with minimal side effects and no dependency. Prescription sleep medications are NOT recommended for long-term use—they cause tolerance, dependency, and lose effectiveness. If you need long-term sleep support, melatonin is medically preferred.
Do prescriptions give better sleep quality than melatonin?
Paradoxically, no. While prescriptions provide more total sleep time and users report feeling rested, they actually disrupt natural sleep architecture (reducing REM and slow-wave sleep). Melatonin provides more "natural" sleep patterns. However, if you're getting no sleep at all, any sleep improvement (even non-optimal) is beneficial.
I tried melatonin and it didn't work. Should I ask for prescription?
Not necessarily. First: (1) Did you optimize dose (try 0.5-3mg range)? (2) Did you time correctly (2-3 hours before bed)? (3) Did you maintain good sleep hygiene? (4) Did you try for full 2 weeks? (5) Is your sleep issue circadian-based (melatonin's strength) or anxiety-based (prescriptions' strength)? If melatonin was truly optimized and ineffective, medical evaluation for underlying sleep disorder is next step.
Key Takeaways
Melatonin and prescription sleep aids work through fundamentally different mechanisms—circadian regulation vs forced sedation—making each appropriate for different situations.
Prescription medications are MORE POWERFUL for immediate sedation but carry significant risks: dependency, tolerance, cognitive impairment, falls, and aren't safe long-term.
Melatonin is SAFER with minimal side effects, no dependency, and safe for extended use—but is less powerful and only addresses certain types of sleep issues (circadian-based).
For jet lag, shift work, and delayed sleep phase syndrome, melatonin is clinically superior to prescriptions because it actually addresses the circadian mechanism.
For acute severe anxiety-driven insomnia, prescriptions are appropriate short-term—melatonin doesn't address anxiety mechanism.
For older adults with mild sleep onset issues, melatonin is preferred due to much lower fall risk and fewer drug interactions than prescriptions.
Long-term sleep support: melatonin is medically safer—prescriptions aren't appropriate for extended use due to dependency and tolerance.
The optimal approach is escalation: Sleep hygiene → Melatonin trial → CBT-I → Medical evaluation → Prescription if truly necessary.
Your Decision-Making Action Plan
Step 1: Assess Your Sleep Issue (Now)
- [ ] Identify primary problem (onset, maintenance, anxiety-driven, circadian)
- [ ] Evaluate severity (mild occasional vs severe chronic)
- [ ] Consider timeline (acute crisis vs ongoing issue)
- [ ] Note any medical conditions or medications
Step 2: Try Conservative Approaches First (Weeks 1-4)
- [ ] Optimize sleep hygiene (2 weeks)
- [ ] Trial melatonin if appropriate for your issue (2 weeks)
- [ ] Track objectively (sleep diary)
- [ ] Assess improvement
Step 3: Medical Consultation If Needed (Week 5)
- [ ] If insufficient improvement, schedule doctor visit
- [ ] Bring sleep diary data
- [ ] Discuss whether prescription appropriate
- [ ] Ask about CBT-I as alternative
Step 4: Informed Decision
- [ ] Understand mechanism of any prescribed medication
- [ ] Ask about dependency and tolerance risks
- [ ] Clarify duration of use (short-term vs ongoing)
- [ ] Establish reassessment schedule
- [ ] Keep melatonin as option for circadian support
Continue Learning:
- Melatonin Complete Evidence-Based Guide
- Melatonin Safety: Side Effects and Interactions
- When Melatonin Doesn't Work: Next Steps (Coming soon)
- Melatonin Tolerance and Dependency Guide
About the Author
David Kimbell is a health writer, digital entrepreneur and former aerospace engineer, based in Ottawa, Canada. He loves translating complex science into clear, actionable guidance for consumers seeking evidence-based solutions.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The decision to use melatonin vs prescription sleep medication should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider based on your specific medical history, sleep disorder diagnosis, and individual circumstances. Never stop prescription sleep medications without medical supervision—withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be dangerous. This comparison is general information and may not apply to your specific situation.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.