What are the side effects of melatonin for sleep?
When taken at low doses, melatonin is safe and effective. However, there are some associated side effects, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Taking too much melatonin can lead to an overdose. When an overdose occurs, people may experience symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, vomiting, and high blood pressure.
Is melatonin safe to take?
Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes. It helps you sleep at night. It also comes in an over-the-counter dietary supplement for sleep for adults and kids as pills, creams, gargles, or gels. If you use it for short periods, melatonin should be safe. But experts still have a lot to understand about the supplement.
Are all melatonin supplements created equal?
In addition, not all melatonin supplements are created equal. Differences in preparation can significantly alter 4 melatonin’s impact. Depending on the formulation, taking 1 to 10 milligrams of melatonin can raise the body’s melatonin blood levels anywhere from 3 to 60 times the normal amount.
Does melatonin increase drowsiness in older adults?
In all of the studies, the melatonin levels remained higher among the older adults when compared to younger adults and stayed higher for a longer period of time — leading to increased daytime drowsiness. The more melatonin the person took, the more pronounced these effects.
Can You overdose on melatonin?
Taking too much melatonin can disrupt your circadian rhythms (sleep-wake cycle). It may also cause other unwanted side effects. So, yes, you can technically overdose on melatonin.
Is melatonin available over-the-counter?
In the US, melatonin is available over-the-counter. In contrast, it is a prescription drug in Australia and most European countries and only approved for use in older adults with sleep disorders ( 3, 4 ). Its use is growing, raising concerns about its possible side effects.
Can melatonin cause high blood pressure?
However, melatonin can cause changes in blood pressure, including unsafe and unexpected spikes. A doctor or pharmacist can advise on the correct melatonin dose to take. A typical dose of melatonin is between 1 mg and 5 mg.