Taking melatonin for sleep help should only be done so under medical supervision. Melatonin for sleep is generally safe, and medication interactions are uncommon. Melatonin has a good safety profile when used temporarily.
However, research suggests that consuming melatonin throughout puberty may negatively affect development. In the same way, melatonin for sleep interactions with other medicines may exacerbate depressive symptoms.
High blood pressure and melatonin for sleep
In addition, children with high blood pressure should not take melatonin for sleep.
Some favorable side effects are associated with taking melatonin before bed but use it cautiously, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The FDA does not regulate melatonin supplements. Thus they may or may not contain the amount of the substance listed on the label.
If you take more than the suggested dose, you may become sleepy and impaired, which is especially dangerous if you drive.
Drug-drug interactions
Even though melatonin for sleep has minimal known drug interactions, it is essential to note that it can cause adverse effects.
Sleeping pharmaceuticals, muscle relaxants, and even anxiety and seizure medications can all have their sleepy effects altered by melatonin. In addition, some vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements may also react negatively with them.
Melatonin therapy may also be helpful for people who suffer from jet lag, those who work night shifts, and high school students who often experience tiredness at unusual hours.
Its delayed onset is helpful for people dealing with both jet lag and late-night school obligations. However, the risks and rewards of this supplement will be different for each individual taking it. Could you keep reading to find out more about it?
Adverse reactions of melatonin
Daytime sleepiness and irritability are two potential adverse effects of taking melatonin for sleep. In addition, some prescription and over-the-counter drugs may negatively interact with them. While using melatonin pills, you should also abstain from consuming alcohol or caffeine, as these substances may reduce the effectiveness of the supplements. More research is needed, but melatonin may make children more prone to convulsions.
Safeness
It would be best if you talked to your family doctor or a sleep doctor before taking melatonin for sleep. The sleep specialist suggests attempting non-drug solutions first, such as eliminating stimulants and reducing the amount of light in the bedroom.
You are instigating melatonin production in the body. Avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages or caffeine-containing beverages in the late afternoon or before bed. At least half an hour before night, you should stop using your electronic gadgets.
Although melatonin has a relatively high safety profile, some evidence suggests it may be harmful. For instance, it may cause unwanted side effects, such as daytime sleepiness, if taken in large doses during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Taking melatonin during pregnancy has been linked to several adverse side effects, including a decrease in glucose tolerance and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer
According to a 2005 meta-analysis of fifteen placebo-controlled research, using melatonin before bed can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. In addition, some users report less anxiety and a quicker return to sleep but no apparent benefit from jet lag.
However, you should note that melatonin is not always successful in putting individuals to sleep. It also deviates from the standard dose-response curve, so taking more of it does not always lead to a more restful night’s sleep.
The benefit of melatonin for sleep
Regardless, the quality and quantity of current research have weakened the projected benefit of melatonin for sleep. However, smaller studies did not combine their data or adjust for the magnitude of the effect.
Due to these limitations, we have been unable to draw conclusive findings from the melatonin literature. Therefore, SMEs were unable to advise shift workers to take melatonin. Yet other research has shown melatonin to be helpful.
Dominic E. is a passionate filmmaker navigating the exciting intersection of art and science. By day, he delves into the complexities of the human body as a full-time medical writer, meticulously translating intricate medical concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. By night, he explores the boundless realm of cinematic storytelling, crafting narratives that evoke emotion and challenge perspectives.
Film Student and Full-time Medical Writer for ContentVendor.com
