Skip to content

Don't Sleep on Melatonin Science

May 6, 2026 · 33 min

Show notes

In this episode, Jess and Sarah explore the science of sleep and melatonin with Dr. Beth Malow, a renowned sleep specialist. They discuss the safety, effectiveness, and proper use of melatonin, especially for children and neurodiverse populations, emphasizing informed decision-making and behavioral strategies.

Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mXT_4GNBOLY

Melatonin blogs: http://medium.com/@bethmalow
Websites: bethswisdom.com; beyondthepoliticsofcontempt.com; togethernow.substack.com
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31982581/

(00:00) Intro & Public Health Update
(04:21) What Is Melatonin?
(06:35) Does Melatonin Help You STAY Asleep?
(07:55) Safety And Regulation Of Melatonin
(11:58) Side Effects?
(14:19) Age Considerations
(15:29) The Importance Of Sleep
(18:51) Long Term Use And Puberty Concerns?
(22:13) Who Should NOT Take Melatonin?
(23:27) Any Risk Of Development Of Dependency?
(24:32) Differences In Use For Adults vs. Children
(27:01) Any Other Common Questions Or Concerns?


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All episodes of Unbiased Science

Settings

Display

Language

Decides which stations you see first on the home page.

History

Recently played stations and episodes and your latest searches are only stored in this browser.

Notifications

A short notice when a podcast you follow has a new episode. Turn off single podcasts with the bell on their page.

Account

Save favorites – in the app and on the website.

Keyboard shortcuts

/
Open search
Space
Play or pause
← →
In the player: back 15 s, forward 30 s (episodes) · in a row: next tile
↑ ↓
In a row: target within the tile
Home / End
In a row: first or last tile
Esc
Close window or menu
?
This overview
Now playing

Go to station page

Play next

    Add episodes with “Play next” – they play after the current episode.