Apigenin vs. Melatonin for Sleep: Which One Should You Take?

If you're struggling with poor sleep, you’ve probably tried or considered melatonin. But a lesser-known option Apigenin is making waves as a natural, non-hormonal sleep aid.

So which one actually works better—and which is safer for regular use?

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone your brain produces naturally when it gets dark, helping regulate your sleep-wake cycle. It’s one of the most popular supplements for sleep, especially for jet lag or occasional insomnia.

Key facts about melatonin:

• Regulates your body clock (circadian rhythm)
• Helps signal the brain that it’s time to sleep
• Typical supplement doses: 1 to 5 mg (though many take too much)
• Can cause grogginess, vivid dreams, and serious hormonal disruption if misused

What Is Apigenin?

Apigenin is a plant-derived flavonoid found in citrus, chamomile, parsley, and celery. It calms the nervous system by enhancing GABA activity, helping you relax and fall asleep more easily—without altering hormone levels.

Key facts about Apigenin:

• Promotes natural relaxation, reduces anxiety
• Supports deep, restorative sleep
• Requires clinical dosing (300 mg+) for sleep benefits
• Safe for regular use with low risk of next-day grogginess

How Do They Work Differently?

⚠️ Melatonin: Helpful or Hormone Disruptor?

Melatonin can be helpful short-term, but its daily use raises concerns:

• Melatonin is a hormone, and supplementing it regularly may suppress your body's own natural melatonin production (Ferracioli-Oda, 2013, Zhdanova, 2001).
• Chronic use in children & teens could affect puberty and hormonal balance (Andersen, 2016).
• High doses (≥5 mg) are linked to morning grogginess, headaches, and disrupted REM sleep (Buscemi, 2006).
• Potential interactions with other hormones like cortisol and thyroid hormones (Srinivasan, 2011).

Best use for melatonin:

✔️ Short-term sleep issues like jet lag
⚠️ Not recommended for daily, long-term use

✅ Apigenin: A Safer Long-Term Option

Unlike melatonin, apigenin doesn’t replace hormones. Instead, it naturally calms your nervous system:

• No evidence of hormone suppression or circadian rhythm disruption
• Supports deep, restorative sleep, not just drowsiness
• Can be taken nightly as part of your long-term health routine
• Overall just Nicer for your body and mind. 
  

Clinical evidence suggests 300 mg is where apigenin’s calming and sleep-promoting effects become meaningful. Lower doses (<100 mg) likely won’t deliver noticeable results.

If you want to understand why we chose the dose we did you can read over the 2022 article “Our dosing of Apigenin for Anxiolytic, Sedative, and Sleep applications”. Take note, the industry standard 50mg ain't doing jack to help you sleep better.

Dosage Comparison

Nice Supplement Co’s Apigenin 98% capsules deliver 300 mg in a single dose, providing the clinically effective amount for better sleep, which is 6x stronger than the industry average. 

Which One Feels Better the Next Day?

Many melatonin users complain of next-day drowsiness and brain fog, especially at higher doses.
Apigenin users typically report waking refreshed, without hormonal disruption.

Should You Take Them Together?

You could, but for most people, apigenin alone is enough to promote better sleep. Plus, it avoids adding unnecessary hormones into your system.

Final Verdict: Apigenin or Melatonin?

➡️ Ready to sleep better—without disrupting your hormones? Shop Apigenin 98% (300 mg) →