Why Is Melatonin Banned From Supplements In The UK?

Almost one in five people in the UK aren’t getting enough sleep. Whether it’s because of stress, children, work or a combination of the three, simply too many of us are failing to get the recommended hours of sleep. A common answer to this conundrum was once melatonin supplements; however, since 1995 these have been banned in the UK.

Indeed, the ominous word ‘banned’. It can only mean one thing, right? That given substance has to be bad for you! Well, in the case of melatonin, the complete opposite is actually true. While that may sound somewhat confusing now, by the end of this post you’ll be fully clued up as to exactly why melatonin is no longer allowed in UK supplements.  

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is often dubbed as the “sleep hormone”. Produced by the pineal gland in the brain, melatonin is your body’s natural timekeeper, regulating the circadian rhythm, otherwise known as the internal clock that dictates when you feel awake or sleepy.

When the sun sets, your brain ramps up melatonin production, signalling that it’s time to rest. By morning, as daylight comes streaming through your blinds, production slows, nudging you to wake up and seize the day.

Taking a synthetic version of melatonin for short periods significantly helps individuals suffering from sleep problems such as insomnia. This is because you are adding to your body’s natural supply of melatonin, so you fall asleep faster and are far less likely to wake up during the night. Synthetic melatonin is consequently often used by those dealing with symptoms of jetlag.

Why is Melatonin Banned From UK Supplements?

In many countries, melatonin is available as a supplement to combat insomnia or jet lag, but in the UK it is entirely banned as a supplement. This restriction, however, extends solely to supplements, and you can still actually acquire it and take it without any legal ramifications.

Until 1995, melatonin was readily available for purchase both online and in high-street stores as a nutritional supplement. However, the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) intervened, putting a decisive stop to its sale. This wasn’t due to safety concerns but rather because melatonin is so incredibly effective! Yes, you heard that right!

Indeed, melatonin is now classified as a medication because of how well it works, meaning it can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor or registered prescriber. So, rather unfortunately, the most effective substance for sorting out our sleep is no longer easily accessible. 

Taking melatonin for issues like jet lag is, therefore, not an option anymore. Instead, melatonin (referred to as Circadin in its medical form) is now primarily prescribed to treat insomnia in individuals aged 55 and older.

What Are The Best Alternatives To Melatonin?

So, melatonin is largely off limits in the UK, which must mean anyone struggling with sleep is doomed for a long future of sleepless nights and the bad mood and unproductivity that comes with that. Wrong! Fortunately, there are plenty of other supplements you can get your hands on to help you get the rest you need. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a powerhouse supplement, playing a role in over 300 biochemical reactions within the body. Its involvement in such a wide range of processes means it comes as absolutely no surprise that it’s an excellent sleep aid in numerous ways:

• Calms the brain: Magnesium regulates neurotransmitters like GABA, which quiet the mind and prepare it for sleep
• Eases muscle tension: Magnesium helps relax tight muscles, making it easier to unwind
• Supports your body clock: It’s also crucial for melatonin production, ensuring your circadian rhythm stays on track

Valerian Root

Valerian root has been a go-to herbal remedy for centuries, prized for its calming effects. If it’s an inability to switch off due to stress or anxiety that is causing you to have sleepless nights, then valerian root may just be the answer to your woes. 

• Boosts calming brain chemicals: Like magnesium, valerian root increases GABA levels, which helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep
• Relieves stress: Valerian root is particularly effective at easing anxiety, which can often be the root cause of sleepless nights

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves; however, unlike many amino acids, it’s not used by the body to build proteins, but instead has a unique effect on the brain:

• Encourages relaxation: L-Theanine promotes alpha brain waves, which are the same waves linked to deep relaxation and creativity
• Tames stress hormones: It reduces cortisol levels, helping your mind to relax and stop thinking about all of the day’s events

While these three supplements, amongst many others, can support better sleep, melatonin stands out as the most effective by some way. However, as the main takeaway of this post remains, its proven effectiveness has led to its reclassification as a medicinal product in the UK, meaning it now requires a prescription.