What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone manufactured by the pineal gland, a gland located in the middle of the brain. The hormone helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). Melatonin levels increase after sunset, and they remain elevated overnight. They decrease sharply around sunrise, and this causes individuals to wake from sleep. Melatonin supplements are available in tablet, liquid, and gummy formulations.

Melatonin is often used as a natural sleep aid. Timed-release supplements can help patients stay asleep through the night. Quick-release melatonin makes it easier to fall asleep. Insomnia treatment can include some melatonin. In some instances, melatonin for sleep may replace traditional sleep medications.

How It Works

Melatonin is a fat-soluble hormone synthesized from tryptophan, an amino acid. It sends signals to the brain's receptor agonist, and binds to receptors that reduce nerve activity. Research shows it can reduce dopamine, a hormone that helps patients stay awake. Studies indicate that melatonin is also involved in regulating body temperature and blood pressure. While the exact manner in which melatonin works is currently unclear, researchers believe its involvement in regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and reducing nerve activity could be responsible for its ability to promote sleep and relaxation. Ongoing research is being conducted to discover more about how this occurs.

Learn about the uses for melatonin next.

Uses For Melatonin

Melatonin supplements are commonly used as sleep aids to reduce insomnia and jet lag. Studies suggest the supplements can improve sleep duration and reduce the amount of time it takes for a patient to fall asleep. They may also improve the quality of their sleep. In studies of individuals with jet lag, melatonin supplements have shown the potential to prevent shifts in sleeping and waking times as well. Additional research suggests melatonin supplements may be beneficial for the relief of migraines and cluster headaches. A study from 2014 reported that tinnitus patients who used melatonin supplements had improvements in their symptoms.

Researchers believe the supplements could be useful in slowing cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Patients with cancer may wish to ask their oncology team about whether melatonin could support their treatment. While the exact mechanism is unclear, some small studies suggest melatonin could help keep cancer from starting and advancing. In addition, research published in 2017 discovered melatonin supplements could improve how a tumor responds to the radiation therapy used in cancer treatment.

Read about the potential side effects linked to melatonin next.

Potential Side Effects

Melatonin supplements are recognized as safe for most individuals. Side effects are uncommon, but include dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and nausea. Daytime drowsiness is especially common. Patients who take larger doses may be at an increased risk of side effects, and melatonin supplements have produced morning hangovers in individuals who exceeded the recommended dose. Some adults have reported depression, irritability, and stomach pain while taking melatonin.

In addition to nausea, dizziness, and headaches, pediatric patients have experienced diarrhea and bedwetting due to taking melatonin supplements. It appears that these supplements may increase the risk of seizures in children who have severe neurological conditions. Less common side effects include anxiety, vivid dreams or nightmares, confusion, loss of appetite, joint or back pain, and blood pressure changes.

Continue reading to learn about the precautions to remember when taking melatonin now.

Precautions To Remember

Melatonin supplements are not regulated in the United States. Thus, patients should research various brands before purchasing one. It is essential to buy a reputable brand with effective quality control measures. Patients might also want to research brands to check for potency levels and any added ingredients. Patients could begin to feel drowsy around thirty minutes after taking a melatonin supplement. This could persist for at least one hour. Experts recommend that individuals avoid driving and operating heavy machinery if they feel very sleepy after consuming melatonin, particularly if this sleepiness persists the next day. In general, it is suggested that patients avoid driving and using heavy machinery for at least four hours after taking a dose of melatonin.

Patients with epilepsy or autoimmune conditions should not use melatonin supplements, and individuals with diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, or heart problems could be at an increased risk of side effects. Patients should check with their doctor before using melatonin if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other medication. Melatonin supplements are only intended for short-term use. Patients should speak with their doctor if their symptoms persist after starting melatonin or if new symptoms develop while taking the supplements. Caffeine could increase or prolong the sedation caused by melatonin. Thus, individuals should avoid caffeinated beverages during treatment with melatonin. They should reduce their alcohol consumption as well.

Get familiar with the potential medication interactions with melatonin next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Melatonin supplements could interact with many medications. Patients who take sedatives should not use them along with melatonin. Individuals who take fluvoxamine also need to avoid taking melatonin. Using melatonin supplements during treatment with diabetes medicines could reduce the effectiveness of these medicines and lead to an increase in blood glucose. Interactions are known to exist between melatonin and blood thinners such as warfarin, acetylsalicylic acid, and heparin. Patients on these medicines should check with their doctor before taking melatonin supplements. Individuals who take nifedipine should check with their healthcare provider if it is safe for them to use melatonin as well. Patients can ask their healthcare provider to review their current medication list for potential medication interactions with melatonin. They should ask the pharmacist to double-check for interactions before any medication is dispensed.

Continue reading to learn about dosage recommendations next.

Dosage Recommendations

The recommended dosage of melatonin is based on the patient's age. Pediatric patients can safely take up to six milligrams of melatonin. Doctors suggest starting with a dose of 0.5 milligrams for this age group. The dose should be taken thirty to sixty minutes before bedtime. Adults should start with a dose of 0.2 milligrams, and they can work up to a maximum dose of five milligrams. Patients in this age group should take melatonin supplements sixty minutes before bed. For older adults over sixty years old, the recommended starting dose is one milligram. The suggested maximum dose is six milligrams.