A sleep-expert assures Melatonin is safe, but is still urging people to take caution.  

Medsafe has given approval for the sleep drug to be available over the counter at pharmacies.

It is commonly used to treat insomnia or jet lag.  

Sleepwell Clinic Director Alex Bartle says potential side-effects are fairly minor, and long-term effects aren't fully understood. 

However, he doesn’t believe it’s as valuable as it’s made out to be.  

Bartle told Mike Hosking behavioural treatments are much more effective. 

He says a 2017 study shows a person's total sleep time after taking the medication didn't improve, and says he doesn't prescribe Melatonin at all. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

A sleep-expert assures Melatonin is safe, but is still urging people to take caution. &nbsp;
Medsafe has given approval for the sleep drug to be available over the counter at pharmacies.
It is commonly used to treat insomnia or jet lag. &nbsp;
Sleepwell Clinic Director Alex Bartle says potential side-effects are fairly minor, and long-term effects aren't fully understood.&nbsp;
However, he doesn’t believe it’s as valuable as it’s made out to be. &nbsp;
Bartle told Mike Hosking behavioural treatments are much more effective.&nbsp;
He says a 2017 study shows a person's total sleep time after taking the medication didn't improve, and says he doesn't prescribe Melatonin at all.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.

Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.

The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Alex Bartle: Sleepwell Clinic Director on Melatonin being approved for over the counter sale

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/21c05824-8e32-4167-b1b5-b300015c47ef/transcript