 [ Symptoms ] i have ulcerative colitis can i take melatonin to help me sleep [ Disease ] melatonin is produced naturally by the body a melatonin supplement made in the laboratory of dosing ranging from 0 3mg 5 0 mg is generally considered safe with few side effects one noted side effect can be abdominal cramping studies are not conclusive but have strongly indicated that ulcerative colitis patients may actually benefit from melatonin treatment it is known that melatonin affects gastro intestinal motility and also inflammation preliminary study data shows the melatonin may have a ameliorative effect positive therapeutic effect when taken by ulcerative colitis patients your medical doctor should be consulted whenever a new medication or over the counter drugsupplement is prescribed by another provider or your are considering self prescribing of medications including over the counter drugssupplements including melatonin 