Is Melatonin Safe? Adverse Effects and Health Dangers

Is melatonin safe to use as a natural sleep aid? Melatonin pills are commonly taken to combat sleep disorders or as pro-longevity supplements. In addition to improving sleep patterns, this supplement may have positive effects for cognitive health, heart health and general well-being

Melatonin is often used as a safe, natural alternative to prescription sleeping pills which may be associated with a higher risk of side effects, dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Melatonin is rated as Likely Safe for short-term use in adults at appropriate dosages. It has also been used safely for longer durations of up to two years in research studies. However, it is recommended to use this supplement for a maximum of six months at a time.

Is melatonin safe for children or infants? This supplement is rated as Possibly Safe for one-time oral use. It is not recommended for long-term use in children due to a lack of available research.

Melatonin

Sleep Supplement

Sleep

Calmness

Daytime Alertness

How It Works:

• Reduces insomnia, jet lag & daytime fatigue
• Promotes restful sleep & calm mood
• Supports brain function, wellbeing & anti-aging

Dosage:

Between 0.5 - 5 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the pineal gland located behind the third ventricle of the brain. This pea-sided gland secretes melatonin according to a circadian cycle determined by the presence of light in the external environment.

The pineal gland converts the neurotransmitter serotonin into melatonin; first, serotonin is acetylated and then it is methylated to derive melatonin.

Levels of melatonin in the blood are negligible during the day; this conversion process is switched on at night when lower levels of light are detected. At approximately 9 PM in the evening, melatonin levels begin to increase.

Melatonin and Sleep Cycles

Once released, this hormone readies the body for sleep by reducing motor activity, inducing fatigue and lowering the internal body temperature. Generally, melatonin levels remain elevated for approximately 12 hours. Levels reduce back to barely detectable quantities around 9 am.

This cycle is important for regulating sleep patterns and for maintaining a high level of sleep quality. However, levels of this hormone may be disturbed due to external factors such as artificial indoor lighting, changing time zones, blindness, shift work sleep disorder or other biological factors.

We know that as we age, melatonin levels are lower. Insomniacs also tend to have lower levels of this hormone. In these cases, taking this hormone in an oral supplement form is considered to be a safe way to help normalize sleep patterns.

Melatonin Supplement Benefits

Melatonin supplements are available to help normalize internal levels of this hormone. Melatonin is found in some foods naturally, and has been approved as a supplement in the U.S. since 1994.

These supplements are frequently used by individuals experiencing on-going sleep disturbances or elderly people with lower levels of this hormone. Melatonin capsules may also be used by individuals with shift work sleep disorder, those suffering from jet lag or blind individuals who do not experience the same rhythmic increase and decrease in melatonin levels.

This supplement is also used for individuals with certain medical conditions. It is sometimes recommended to those with nerve pain, weakness or who are receiving chemotherapy. Children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other mood disorders may also benefit from this supplement.

Melatonin supplements are synthetic, meaning this compound is manufactured in a lab. There are natural versions taken from the pineal gland of some animals, but this product is not recommended due to a higher risk of side effects.

Is Melatonin Safe

Melatonin is rated as Likely Safe for adult when used orally at appropriate dosages, for up to 6 months. It is considered Possibly Safe for long-term use of between 6 months to 2 years.

This supplement is considered safe to take every day (for up to 6 months) as it does not carry a risk of addiction, dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Unlike benzodiazepines sleep aids and other commonly used sedatives, most individuals do not develop a tolerance to melatonin supplements.

Synthetic forms of melatonin supplements are considered to be safer than those forms derived from the penial glands of animals. There is a risk of viral infections when using animal-based melatonin products.

Mild side effects have been reported when using this supplement. Headaches, daytime sleepiness and dizziness are the most common adverse effects. This supplement can also interfere with a person’s sleep schedule if taken too early in the day.

Less common side effects include irritability, short-lived feelings of depression, mild anxiety, abdominal discomfort and confusion. There have not been any reported cases of overdose or toxicity when taking this supplement.

Melatonin Safety for Kids and Pregnant Women

Melatonin is rated as Possibly Safe for children when used at appropriate dosages for single-use occasions only. This supplement should not be given to children without first consulting with a doctor to determine the proper dosage.

Melatonin is considered Possibly Unsafe when given to children or babies for short-term or long-term use. While it has been used safely in some short-term clinical trials, there is a theoretical risk that elevated levels of this hormone could negatively affect gonadal development and may delay the onset of puberty.

Melatonin is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. This supplement is rated Possibly Unsafe during pregnant since increased levels of melatonin may inhibit ovulation and cause a contraceptive effect. This supplement should also be avoided by women trying to become pregnant.

Melatonin Drug Interactions

Melatonin could interact with some common drugs or medications, resulting in side effects or diminished efficacy. Some possible drug interactions are: anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, birth control pills and diabetes medications.

Speak to your doctor to find out if melatonin supplements are safe to combine with any prescription or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals you are using. Your doctor can also help you determine whether this supplement is appropriate given your medical history.

How Melatonin Works

The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Biotechnology Information states that melatonin is naturally synthesized and released in close proximity to the average person’s light/dark cycle.

When supplementing with synthetic melatonin, this compound promotes sleep at the beginning and throughout the entire night. According to NIH, the mechanism of action of melatonin is that it acts on the MT(1) and the MT(2) melatonin receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus portion of the brain.

While some studies indicate melatonin does restore a person’s natural night/day schedule, others indicate no significant change in the time it takes to get to sleep or the length a person sleeps.

According to the NIH, some research shows a decrease in the onset time and an increase in sleep duration when animals were given melatonin. A majority of research indicates it is effective for jet lag and work-shift-related sleep issues.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved ramelteon, a melatonin-derived sleep aid, because trials demonstrated its ability to act as a sleep aid in animals and humans.

Safe Dosages for Melatonin

Melatonin dosages of between 0.3 mg to 20 mg have been used in research studies to treat different health conditions. For sleep disorders, a dosage of between 2 mg to 3 mg before bedtime has been used in most human research trials.
Higher dosages are generally reserved for more serious medical conditions and should not be used without a doctor’s guidance. To determine the appropriate dosage for a child, speak to your doctor as age and weight can significantly affect dosage guidelines.

Melatonin is safe for adults when used appropriately, but it is still recommended to check with a doctor about the correct dosage for your needs.

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