MELATONIN & SLEEP: SCIENCE-BACKED, PLAIN-LANGUAGE GUIDE “The best medication is the one matched to the right diagnosis.” The “best sleeping pill” varies because insomnia has different causes: anxiety, pain, depression, sleep apnea, restless legs, and circadian disorders all require different strategies. The smartest step is clarifying the cause. Some prescription medicines can help sleep onset short term, but risks include tolerance, dependence, daytime impairment, and falls—so they should be used only under medical guidance. Melatonin is different: it is primarily a timing agent rather than a sedative. It can be one of the most logical options for jet lag or circadian rhythm disorders, but may not be sufficient for severe chronic insomnia. For long-term outcomes, CBT-I and lifestyle interventions have strong evidence. If you’re searching for the “strongest” option, you may be chasing speed over sustainability. The best results usually come from combining sleep hygiene, behavioral therapy, and targeted medical treatment when needed—guided by a clinician.