Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake rhythm, but for migraine patients, it carries even greater significance. A growing number of RCTs demonstrate that melatonin is also effective in preventing migraine.
1. Clinical Evidence — Equivalent to Amitriptyline
Gonçalves et al. (2016, JNNP) — Chronic migraine patients were divided into 3 groups: melatonin 3mg, amitriptyline 25mg, and placebo. Results at 12 weeks:
- Melatonin group: migraine frequency reduced by 50%
- Amitriptyline group: equivalent effect
- Melatonin group had fewer side effects and lower dropout rate
This study demonstrated that melatonin — once labeled merely a “sleep aid” — is a genuinely viable option comparable to first-line preventive medications.
2. Patients Who Benefit Most
- Patients whose headaches are triggered by poor or irregular sleep — eliminates the trigger at its source
- Cluster headache patients — cluster periods are closely linked to sleep cycles; melatonin may help reduce their occurrence
- Patients with circadian rhythm disorders — night-shift workers, jet lag
- Patients with co-existing stress or anxiety — doubles as a sleep quality improver
3. Recommended Dose and How to Take It
- Dose: 3mg/day (clinical RCT dose). Starting at 1mg is also acceptable
- Timing: 30–60 minutes before bed, on an empty stomach. Taking with food delays absorption
- Duration: at least 12 weeks
- Form: sublingual (dissolving tablet) or extended-release — note that extended-release is better for sleep maintenance but may cause morning drowsiness
⚠️ In Korea, melatonin is classified as a prescription drug (e.g., Circadia). Products from iHerb or overseas purchases are commonly used. Direct personal-use imports are permitted under Korean law.
4. Product Recommendations
5. Precautions
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Insufficient safety data — best avoided
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus): Possible immune activation — consult your physician
- Patients taking antidepressants or anxiolytics: May increase daytime drowsiness
- Adolescents under 16: Possible impact on other hormonal axes — use only after consultation with a pediatrician
The three-supplement combination protocol is complete — Magnesium + B2 + CoQ10 is the core stack, and for those with sleep as a specific trigger, add melatonin. Each supplement works through a different mechanism, so there is no overlap.