MELATONIN & SLEEP: SCIENCE-BACKED, PLAIN-LANGUAGE GUIDE “‘Natural’ does not automatically mean ‘safe for everyone.’” Melatonin is generally well tolerated for short-term use in many adults, but certain groups require caution. Pregnancy and breastfeeding lack robust safety data, so use should be clinician-guided. Potential interactions are a key concern for people taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelet agents, sedatives, certain antiseizure medicines, and immunosuppressive therapies. In autoimmune diseases, effects on immune signaling are a theoretical concern, so decisions should be individualized. People with epilepsy history or serious psychiatric conditions—especially bipolar disorder—should consult a specialist before use. In children, melatonin may be used under medical supervision for specific indications (e.g., circadian disorders), but unsupervised long-term use is not recommended. Bottom line: if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, a child, or on regular medication or chronic disease management, avoid self-starting melatonin without professional advice.