Answer: No sleeping pill is without side effects. Natural methods are better, but nothing is without the risk of forming a dependency.Melatonin is okay, as long as you start with 1.5 gm for the first 2 weeks and work your way up to the full dose of 3 gm. Still, melatonin is not to be taken longterm. In terms of sleep, melatonin is the hormone that regulates your body's biological circadian rythym (sleep/wake cycle) which is normally influenced by the sun's light, but which we throw out of whack with caffeine and late nights.5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin, which in turn is the precursor to melatonin. Several elements of a good night's sleep appear to be influenced by 5-HTP. In addition to reducing the amount of time it takes to nod off, this compound actually may enhance the quality of sleep itself, increasing both the duration of dream states (REM sleep) and of deep slumber. In studies, most people who tried 5-HTP also reported feeling more rested upon awakening. Serotonin, however, can only be synthesized from 5-HTP in the presence of B-vitamins so make sure you eat whole grains and other sources of the B's.