I use melatonin on occasion, too, and have read a couple of things about it over the years. First, it's apparently not intended for long term use - and it supposedly should be taken only when needed, especially if taking the most commonly found doses of 3 mg or 5 mg.
Second, as I recall, it's best taken an hour or two before going to bed and should only be taken when able to get at least 8 hours rack time. If not, that grogginess is highly likely. To me, those two things are kinda contradictory, as I generally don't know I'm going to need it unless I've already been tossing and turning a while, and by then it's too late to take it. 
It's worked well for me sometimes, though, when I think I might need it and remember to take it in advance. In those cases (and when I don't have to get up early), I haven't experienced the grogginess in the morning, unlike other times when I've taken it just before hitting the sheets.
Also, I found a .3 mg plant-based (vegan) option at my local health food store (Mother's). It's called Herbatonin, intended for more long term use because of the low dosage. I don't take it daily, but I think this one may be a good option for anyone who wants to take it every day.
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