Okay, MPacman. Glad you're spending 2 out of your first 7 posts on here to be a troll.
Don't take my word for it, then.
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin
Key takeaways: "...Study results are mixed on whether melatonin is effective for insomnia in adults, but some studies suggest it may slightly reduce the time it takes to fall asleep."
"In adults. A 2013 analysis of 19 studies of people with primary sleep disorders found that melatonin
slightly improved time to fall asleep, total sleep time, and overall sleep quality. In a 2007 study of people with insomnia, aged
55 years or older, researchers found that prolonged-release melatonin significantly improved quality of sleep and morning alertness"
Unless the OP is >55 years old (which would make this a moot topic as 27 is the age cutoff unless prior-E), "slightly improved time to fall asleep" and "may slightly reduce the time it takes to fall asleep" are pretty weak descriptions of something that could be considered a disqualifying use of a sleep-promoting substance. It sounds to me more like Melatonin
might shorten the amount of time to
fall asleep.
Insomnia, as defined by DSM-V, is much more than that-- Diagnostic code 780.52 (G47.00)-- look it up for yourself.
Regardless-- if you
are worried about a DQ, then from the DODI, it appears you (a) should not take it more than 15 times in a year, and (b) you should not get a diagnosis of
chronic insomnia in-line with DSM-V's definition (meaning diagnosed insomnia lasting >1 month in a row).
FutureCadet, CrewDad's advice is spot-on. Focus on stress reduction, improving sleep hygiene, physical fitness, etc. If it doesn't improve
and the lack of sleep starts to seriously affect your health, then find a doctor, and be upfront with them about your ROTC application and you desire to avoid anything that might DQ you. Hopefully, they will respect that and find the best-fit solution for you.
Good luck!