Is Melatonin Banned in the UK? Here’s What the Law Actually Says
- James Smurthwaite
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Melatonin is often promoted as a natural sleep aid and is widely available across the United States, Canada, and much of Europe without a prescription. But if you've ever tried to buy melatonin in the UK, whether from Boots, Holland & Barrett, or even Amazon, you've probably hit a dead end. The shelves are bare, and the search results come up short. So what’s actually going on?
Is melatonin banned in the UK? The answer is no, but the story is more complicated than that. This guide explains what UK law really says, why you can't buy it off the shelf, who qualifies for a prescription, and which legal alternatives might help if you're struggling to sleep.
What Is Melatonin and Why Do People Use It?
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a key role in regulating the body's circadian rhythm, which is the internal 24-hour clock that influences when we feel alert or sleepy. Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening to promote sleep and fall in the morning to help us wake up.
People take melatonin supplements for a range of reasons, including jet lag, shift work adjustment, delayed sleep phase disorder, and insomnia. In countries like the US, it's sold as a dietary supplement and is widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online. In the UK, though, it’s a different story.
Is Melatonin Banned in the UK?
No, melatonin is not banned in the UK. However, it is tightly regulated.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) classifies melatonin as a prescription-only medicine. This means it is entirely legal to use if prescribed by a doctor, but it cannot be sold over the counter or marketed as a food supplement.
This legal status has been in place for years and applies to all melatonin-containing products regardless of format. Without a valid medicine licence and a prescription, melatonin cannot legally be supplied in the UK.
Why Is Melatonin Only Available on Prescription?
Melatonin is considered safe when used appropriately but it is not risk-free. As a hormone, it can interact with other medications and may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions. There are also concerns about long-term use, particularly in children, and the potential for people to self-medicate without addressing underlying sleep disorders.
Another reason for the prescription-only status is quality control. One study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, in the United States, found that the contents of over-the-counter melatonin supplements can vary significantly from what the label claims. This inconsistency is a red flag for UK regulators.
Making melatonin prescription-only helps ensure the dosage is correct, the product is tested, and a healthcare professional is involved in the decision-making process.
Who Can Get a Melatonin Prescription in the UK?
In the UK, melatonin is most commonly prescribed under the brand name Circadin, which is a 2 mg prolonged-release tablet. It is licensed for short-term treatment of insomnia in people aged 55 and over. Doctors can also prescribe melatonin off-label in cases they believe are medically appropriate.
For instance, melatonin is sometimes prescribed to children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD or autism, who often have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It may also be used for people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders like delayed sleep phase syndrome, although this is typically done under the care of a specialist. In rare cases, it may be used to help manage jet lag, though it is not routinely offered for this.
Whether melatonin is prescribed depends on the individual’s case. Often, patients are encouraged to try non-pharmacological approaches first, such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), especially if they are younger adults.
Can You Buy Melatonin Online or Over the Counter?
Melatonin is not legally available to buy over the counter in the UK. It is not stocked by Boots, Superdrug, or other high street chains. UK-based websites are also not allowed to sell melatonin unless they are registered pharmacies and the customer has a valid prescription.
Some international websites do ship melatonin to UK addresses. Technically, it is possible to import medication for personal use. However, this is risky. Border Force may seize packages that include prescription-only or unlicensed medication, especially if the source is not a legitimate pharmacy.
There is also the issue of product safety. Buying melatonin from unregulated sources raises the risk of receiving a product with inaccurate dosages, harmful additives, or no active ingredient at all.
Is It Legal to Take Melatonin in the UK?
Yes, taking melatonin is legal in the UK if it has been prescribed by a medical professional. The law targets the sale and distribution of melatonin, not its use. That said, sharing melatonin with others or bringing it back from abroad for someone else would be considered unlawful.
Although many people do bring back melatonin from trips to the US or order it online, this comes with legal and safety concerns. Without medical oversight, you could be using the wrong dose or overlooking a more serious sleep issue.
What About Melatonin Gummies, Sprays or Sleep Drinks?
You may see products advertised online as melatonin gummies or sprays, especially on Amazon or overseas wellness websites. These are typically not legal in the UK. Any product that contains melatonin must be licensed as a medicine. If it's being sold without a prescription or proper licensing, it is not compliant with UK law.
Retailers that offer such products without the necessary approvals are operating illegally. These products are often imported under misleading labels or false advertising, and they are best avoided.
One brand that often sparks confusion is Lemme Sleep, a popular melatonin gummy supplement developed by Kourtney Kardashian’s wellness company. Marketed heavily on social media and widely available in the United States, Lemme Sleep contains melatonin alongside other ingredients like magnesium and L-theanine. However, despite its popularity abroad, it is not legal for sale in the UK without a prescription. If found online in the UK market, it is either being sold unlawfully or imported through unofficial channels. Buyers should be cautious.
Any product containing melatonin, even a gummy, is considered a medicine in the UK and falls under strict regulation. While the branding may be glossy, its legal status remains the same: prescription-only.
Are There Legal Alternatives to Melatonin in the UK?
There are several sleep aids that are legally available in the UK and may offer benefits for those struggling to fall or stay asleep. While they do not contain melatonin, they can support relaxation, help with anxiety, or promote deeper sleep through different mechanisms.
Valerian root is a well-known herbal remedy with mild sedative effects. It has been traditionally used to help with insomnia and is available as capsules, teas, or tinctures. Scientific evidence is mixed, but many users report positive effects.
Magnesium is another option. It contributes to muscle relaxation and nerve function and may improve sleep quality, especially in people who are deficient.
Other supplements sometimes used to support sleep include glycine, an amino acid that helps lower core body temperature; 5-HTP, which the body converts into serotonin; and L-theanine, a calming compound found in green tea.
For a deeper comparison of these supplements, see our full article on natural sleeping aids in the UK.
NHS Advice on Melatonin
The NHS generally does not offer melatonin as a first-line treatment for sleep problems. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia is the recommended approach for persistent sleep difficulties. Melatonin may be considered when non-drug strategies have failed or when there are specific clinical indications.
It is prescribed sparingly, mostly for people over 55 or for children with developmental conditions, and always with oversight from a doctor. The NHS confirms that melatonin is available on prescription and is not approved for general over-the-counter use.
More details can be found here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/treatment
So, Is Melatonin Banned in the UK?
No, it is not banned. But you cannot buy it freely in shops or online without a prescription. It is a regulated medicine that must be prescribed by a qualified professional for a legitimate clinical reason.
If you're struggling with sleep, it’s best to speak with your GP. They can assess whether melatonin is appropriate or whether other strategies would be more effective. In many cases, sleep quality can be improved without prescription medication through behavioural therapy, environmental changes, and the use of legal supplements.
Melatonin might be popular globally, but in the UK, sleep support is handled with more caution, and for good reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is melatonin banned in the UK?
No, melatonin is not banned in the UK. It is classed as a prescription-only medicine, meaning it is legal to use if prescribed by a doctor, but it cannot be sold over the counter or as a food supplement.
Why can't I buy melatonin from Boots or Holland & Barrett?
Can I order melatonin online and have it shipped to the UK?
What happens if I take melatonin that I bought abroad?
Can I get melatonin from my GP?
Are melatonin gummies legal in the UK?
Melatonin gummies, sprays, and drinks are illegal to sell in the UK unless they are licensed medicines prescribed by a healthcare professional. Any product sold online or in shops that claims to contain melatonin without a prescription is not compliant with UK law.