Sleep smarter: 3 science-backed ways to fall asleep faster without melatonin

A sleep doctor explains that melatonin regulates timing, not sleep drive, so most people don’t need supplements. He offers three science-backed alternatives to falling asleep faster: 1) fix nutritional deficiencies (magnesium, vitamin D, iron) through a whole-food diet (including a banana-tea trick); 2) learn your chronotype and align your schedule with your biology; 3) optimize your sleep environment with a cool room and comfortable bedding. Melatonin may help in certain cases like jet lag, shift work, or true deficiency, but supplement quality is often unreliable and long-term use may carry risks, so consult a clinician before using it.