There's nothing drastic about zopiclone or zolpidem - they are both fully tested and regulated pharmaceuticals approved for prescription in the U.K. and Europe. Melatonin is a hormone which is not licensed for use in this way but is available again only on prescription in most countries (the U.S. being a notable exception). Just because melatonin is a naturally occurring substance doesn't mean it is less drastic than a pharmaceutical, nor is it necessarily safer to take. The medical authorities in most countries place it in the same category as sleeping pills for good reason and people who choose to circumvent medical advice on its use do so at their own risk. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4696358.stm