Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag

Researchers combined the results of 10 small studies involving 638 travelers. Most studies randomly assigned people to take melatonin or a look-alike pill after crossing several time zones. Melatonin usually reduced jet lag and helped people sleep at the desired local time. It seemed to work best after eastward flights and when taken near bedtime at the destination. The studies mainly looked at short-term symptoms, not long-term health.

What this means for you: Melatonin may be worth considering for occasional jet lag, especially after flying east. The evidence is limited by small, older studies, and it does not show that melatonin improves longevity or general health.