Is it safe to take melatonin on a regular basis?

Melatonin, while useful for managing sleep-related issues, should be used cautiously, particularly for long-term use. According to Dr. Craig Canapari, melatonin is safe when used properly but concerns arise from its unregulated status which can lead to variable dosages far exceeding recommended limits 1. Additionally, Matthew Walker highlights that although melatonin is considered safe and is effective for time-zone shifts, it doesn't significantly improve sleep quality or duration under normal circumstances 2. He also stresses the potential risk of dependency and the disruption of natural melatonin production if used excessively 3.

For safety, it's crucial to coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure an appropriate dosage and to incorporate it into a broader, behaviorally-anchored sleep management plan.