Is melatonin safer to take than zolpidem for insomnia and what dosage to take ?

1 mg or less : Higher doses of melatonin can actually interfere with normal sleep. Take 0.3 to 1 mg. And see how you do. Both are generally safe, but melatonin usually has less potential for morning "hang over".

Sleep: Since melatonin is a natural supplement it should be genearlly safe, you should however check with your doctor to make sure it does not interfere with any other medications you are taking. Less is better, typical dose is 3mg although mit researchers indicate 1mg is just as effective. Best wishes.

Melatonin: By comparison, yes, on an as needed basis and at very low dose of less than 1mg., along with sleep hygiene techniques.