Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body and plays a central role in regulating both the circadian rhythm and sleep. Its production increases in the evening as it gets dark, signaling to the body that it is time to sleep. Disruptions to this rhythm can contribute to difficulties falling asleep and insomnia.
Melatonin and sleep problems
In Sweden, melatonin is sometimes used as a medication for sleep problems, primarily to help with falling asleep. It may be prescribed, for example, in cases of disrupted circadian rhythm, jet lag, or certain types of long-term sleep difficulties. Treatment with melatonin is based on an individual assessment by a physician.
No routine melatonin testing is carried out within primary healthcare. Instead, when addressing sleep problems, healthcare providers focus on an overall assessment of symptoms, lifestyle, sleep habits, and possible underlying causes. If you experience insomnia, you can describe your symptoms to your doctor, who can provide advice, further evaluation, or in some cases treatment with melatonin if appropriate.
Melatonin testing – what is available on the market?
There are melatonin tests available on the private market today, often in the form of home tests where saliva or urine is analyzed. These tests can provide a snapshot of melatonin levels at the time of sampling.
However, it is important to note that such tests are not used as standard practice within the Swedish healthcare system. Melatonin levels also vary significantly over the course of the day and are influenced by factors such as light exposure, stress, sleep habits, and circadian rhythm. As a result, test results can be difficult to interpret and generally have limited clinical value without proper medical context.
What can you do if you have insomnia?
If you experience recurring or long-term sleep problems, it is advisable to contact healthcare services. A doctor can help you to:
- identify possible causes of insomnia,
- provide advice on sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes,
- assess whether treatment, such as melatonin, may be appropriate.
Insomnia can have many different causes, and effective support is usually based on a comprehensive assessment rather than on individual hormone tests.