Melatonin: Are We Using Too Much?

Does oral Melatonin have side effects the next day?  This is a question everyone should be asking, among others, before taking this and any over the counter sleep medicine.  Melatonin side effects in males and females who take it regularly should not be ignored. People often suggest that Melatonin is a natural way to help you sleep, improve your circadian rhythms, and help with your sleepwake cycle. It is a naturally occurring substance, produced by the pineal glands, but even though it can improve sleep and help with good sleep hygiene that doesn’t mean it can be taken without regard for the adverse effects it may cause. 

As safe as sleep studies suggest that Melatonin may be, taking anything, even at a low dose, for poor sleep cycles should be monitored.  At DayBreak, we help people who have become addicted to sleep medicine and other substances.  If you think you may have developed a dependence for a sleep pill or any other substance, give us a call.

What are the side effects of melatonin?

Taking Melatonin to fall asleep has become a common practice for the sleep disturbed and not one looked askance at over the last many years.  Melatonin side effects in females and males can include the following, although they are not very common:

• short-lasting feelings of depression
• Mild tremor
• Atopic dermatitis  
• Mild anxiety 
• Abdominal cramps including irritable bowel syndrome
• Irritability 
• Reduced alertness 
• Confusion 
• Disorientation

This is in addition to the results of the intended effect of taking Melatonin to fall asleep, which is drowsiness the next day. 

Call Daybreak Treatment Solutions today at (844) 695-0083 for help in overcoming your addiction.

What are the risks of taking melatonin every day?

The effect of Melatonin supplements can vary from person to person.  However, taking Melatonin regularly due to sleep deprivation can cause daytime sleepiness, headaches, and giddiness.  Although the effect of Melatonin supplements is that they improve sleep and are advertised as being better than taking a traditional sleeping pill, sleep doctors agree that taking anything every night even at a low dose is not the way to address REM sleep patterns, sleep apnea, or any other rhythm disorder over the long term.

Is it possible to be immune to melatonin?

Sleep studies show that any Melatonin dosage doesn’t cause withdrawal or symptoms of dependence, unlike other sleep medications.  You should not need to increase from a low dose to a higher dose of Melatonin due to building up a tolerance. Short term and long-term adverse effects can occur. A different dose of Melatonin will be needed depending on a lot of factors for each individual in order for it to be an effective sleep aid, but it should not increase regularly over time like an addictive substance. Other sleeping tips suggested by sleep doctors and sleep studies should be considered before Melatonin for sleep is taken. 

Is melatonin safe if you have high blood pressure?

The side effects of Melatonin can be different based on an underlying issue a person has, like low blood or high blood pressure, or drug interactions. Taking Melatonin to fall asleep can raise your blood pressure, so if you already have a low blood or high blood pressure issue, you should avoid taking sleeping aids that include a Melatonin dosage.  Sleep quality is important but always talk to your doctor if you have underlying conditions before you start on any supplement or sleep medicine. 

How does ADHD cause insomnia?

There are a few reasons why ADHD can cause insomnia and Melatonin for sleep may be an option. Sleep cycles can be interrupted by a burst of energy in the evening. It may be hard to fall asleep due to racing thoughts caused by ADHD. ADHD symptoms can cause you to get off of a good sleep schedule, too, one of many sleeping tips reviewed in sleep studies.  

Is it dangerous to mix melatonin with other sleep aids?

Taking a sleeping pill or other sleep medicine, like doxylamine, together with oral melatonin may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.

Sleeping pills Addiction treatment

Sleeping aids are used to fall asleep by millions of people every year. Poor sleep quality increases the risk of many maladies and disorders.  If you think you may have developed a dependence for a sleep pill or any other substance, including a sleep medicine ordered by sleep doctors, give us a call at DayBreak today at (844) 695-0083.