What is your opinion on the use of melatonin to help with sleep problems associated with a week of night-shift work?

Little research : Melatonin is a relatively safe supplement as long as you're not on Coumadin (warfarin) or other blood thinning medicines. Using it for shift-work issues has not been researched much, but at least 1 study found it useful: www.Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov/pmc/articles/pmc2584099.

May help: Quiet bedroom-turn off tv, radio & phone; consider ear plugs; keep temperature cool but comfortable, exercise regularly (not for 3 hours prior to bed). Keep dark! avoid alcohol, caffeine, large meals or excess fluids before bed. Wear dark sunglasses if driving home in the am and avoid light prior to bed. Melatonin 3 mg prior to bed may help sleep. If not effective see your doctor for sleep aid.