Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm.

Promotes Sleep – Melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening as it gets dark, signalling to the body that it’s time to sleep.

Regulates the Body Clock – It helps synchronize sleep patterns, making it particularly useful for those with jet lag, shift work, or irregular sleeps chedules.

Supports Relaxation – Melatonin interacts with neurotransmitters to promote a sense of calm, making it easier to wind down before bed.

Acts as an Antioxidant – Research suggests melatonin also has antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress.

Melatonin helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it particularly effective for short-term insomnia caused by factors like stress, travel, or changes in routine.

It works by:

• Adjusting the Body Clock – Melatonin supplements signal to the brain that it's time to sleep, helping those whose natural melatonin production may be delayed (e.g., due to jet lag or irregular sleep schedules).
• Reduces Sleep Onset Time – Research shows that melatonin can help people fall asleep faster, making it useful for those experiencing temporary difficulties getting to sleep.
• Enhances Sleep Quality – While it doesn’t act as a sedative, melatonin improves sleep efficiency, leading to more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
• Minimises Sleep Disruptions – By supporting a stable sleep cycle, melatonin can help reduce nighttime awakenings in those with short-term insomnia.

If you buy melatonin from us for short-term insomnia:

• You will receive Circadin 2mg Modified Release tablets
• The medication has a prolonged-released action, meaning melatonin is slowly released from the tablet over a few hours.
• Circadin is used on its own for the short-term treatment of primary insomnia (persistent difficulty in getting to sleep or staying asleep, or poor quality of sleep) in patients aged 55 years and older. Melatonin can be prescribed for individuals under 55; however, it is an off-label use of the medication in the UK. Primary insomnia refers to insomnia that does not have any identified cause, including any medical, mental or environmental cause.

• If you take and buy Circadian, they can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
• You can find a full list of side effects in the Circadian tablet’s patient information leaflet. If you are concerned about side effects, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

Uncommon side effects include:

• Irritability and restlessness
• Insomnia and abnormal dreams
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• High blood pressure
• Indigestion
• Nausea

You can find a full list in the Circadin patient information leaflet that will come with your medication, please read the leaflet before you take or buy Circadin

• Yes, you can legally buy Circadin tablets online from registered prescribers such as The Naked Pharmacy.
• Whenever you buy Circadin tablets or any other sleeping medication, even if it is over the counter, always check for the green GPhC logo on the bottom of each page of the website you are using.
• You can use the GPhC website to check if a pharmacy is registered to ensure that when you buy Circadin tablets online, the medication is genuine.

• Poor sleep can mean that you have difficulty getting to sleep, that you wake up for long periods during the night, that you wake early, or that you do not feel refreshed in the mornings.
• Insomnia is a fairly common condition, but it does not usually last for long.
• Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and is associated with the control of the body’s sleep pattern. As we grow older the amount of naturally occurring melatonin in the body reduces. Taking melatonin adds to the body’s natural supply and helps to promote and improve the quality of sleep.
• If you are finding that you cannot improve your sleep, then you can buy Circadin. However, you will need to consult with your GP or prescribing pharmacist before you can take this medication.

• If you buy Circadian, you should use them exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• The recommended dose is one Circadin tablet (2 mg) taken daily by mouth, after food, 1-2 hours before bedtime. This dosage may be continued for up to thirteen weeks.
• You should swallow the tablet whole, the tablet should not be crushed or cut in half.
• If you have accidentally taken too much of your medicine, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Taking more than the recommended daily dose may make you feel drowsy.
• If you forget to take your Circadin tablet, take another as soon as you remember, before going to sleep, or wait until it is time to take your next dose, as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
• There are no known harmful effects if treatment is interrupted or ended early. The use of Circadin is not known to cause any withdrawal effects after treatment completion. If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• You can find more information before you buy Circadin in the Circadin tablets patient information leaflet.
• You can call us at The Naked Pharmacy and speak to a UK-registered pharmacist.

Struggling with sleep? Whether you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling refreshed, melatonin and magnesium can help—but they work in different ways.

What’s the difference between melatonin and magnesium?

Melatonin is your body’s natural sleep hormone, helping regulate your sleep-wake cycle. It’s best used as a short-term reset for issues like jet lag or irregular sleep patterns. Magnesium, on the other hand, helps relax the nervous system, reducing stress and nighttime wake-ups for deeper, more restorative sleep.

When should I take melatonin?

Melatonin is useful if your sleep schedule is out of sync. It’s not meant for long-term use but can be helpful for:

Short-term sleep issues (adults): 2mg modified-release tablet (prescription only) for up to 13 weeks.

Jet lag (adults): 3mg standard-release tablet for up to five days.

How does magnesium help with sleep?

Magnesium supports deep sleep by relaxing muscles, calming the nervous system, and promoting GABA, the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter. Unlike melatonin, magnesium can be taken long-term for consistent sleep support.

Can I take melatonin and magnesium together?

Yes! Many people use melatonin to get their sleep cycle back on track while taking magnesium for ongoing, quality sleep.

Which one should I choose?

• If your sleep schedule is off → Use melatonin for a short-term reset.
• If you wake up often or feel restless at night → Magnesium can help keep you in deep sleep.
• For long-term sleep support → Magnesium is your best bet.

To improve your quality of sleep you could try:

• Sticking to a set sleep schedule.
• Create a relaxing environment for sleep in your bedroom.
• Avoid late-night distractions such as gaming or social media.
• Exercise during the day.
• Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid other stimulants such as nicotine.
• Try our Marine Magnesium

If the above points do not improve your sleep, then you can buy Circadin. However, you will need to consult with your GP or book a consultation with us before you can take this medication.