Melatonin Nightmares, Vivid Dreams and Effects on Lucid Dreaming

Why do some people experience nightmares and vivid dreams when using melatonin supplements for sleep disorders? Melatonin is a hormone that the brain makes and releases on a cyclic basis, helping to regulate sleep patterns.

This hormone has a direct effect on the body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm. Disruptions to melatonin cycles – such as jet lag and shift work sleep disorder – can cause sleep issues.

Taking supplements that contain this hormone can help correct these problems, but these products have been associated with an increased rate of nightmares in some people.

Many users who take melatonin as a sleep aid report that they experience strange dreams that are exceptionally vivid. Some also describe an increase in lucid dreaming. Why does melatonin sometimes cause nightmares and what the effects of this hormone on dreaming and the brain?

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How Melatonin Affects Dreams

Melatonin supplements are normally taken to help those with sleep problems ranging from jet lag to a pattern of poor sleep quality from working the night shift.

These supplements help restore regular circadian cycles in order to promote sleep. Taking melatonin can help people fall asleep more easily and improve sleep quality overall.

Those who take melatonin supplements for sleep problems might experience changes in dreaming.

Melatonin may cause night terrors or nightmares in some people, while others experience vivid dreams that have an almost hallucinogenic quality to them. Slate writer Mark Joseph Stern describes these dreams as “bursts of energy and excitement.” [1]

Why do these effects on dreaming occur? One possible explanation is that melatonin helps increase the amount of REM sleep people get, as well as the quality of this sleep stage.

Melatonin and REM Sleep

REM sleep is when dreams typically occur, which has caused researchers to speculate that taking melatonin and having vivid dreams is associated with longer or better REM cycles.

Dr. Rafael Pelayo of Stanford University explains that when people begin to take melatonin supplements or other products to assist with sleep, a phenomenon known as REM rebound can occur. [2]

When this happens, the body makes up for REM sleep that has been lost, which could lead to the experience of having more vivid dreams as people either spend more time in this cycle or have improved REM cycles.

Does melatonin cause nightmares? In some people, these supplements can cause unpleasant dreams or nightmares, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [3]

Melatonin and night terrors are not considered a common occurrence, though. In general, nightmares are more likely to occur in those who take higher dosages of melatonin.

User Reviews for Taking Melatonin for Dreaming

While some people take melatonin in order to treat sleep issues, others take these supplements in order to experience more vivid dreams or lucid dreams.

User reviews of these products have been mixed. While some users report experiencing vivid dreams after taking them, other users have not had these results. In a small number of users, these products led to even poorer sleep quality.

How much melatonin do people take to experience vivid dreams? This varies from one individual to the next.

For some users, small dosages of melatonin, such as 0.5 MG, were enough to produce these results. For others, larger doses, such as 5 MG, were taken when vivid dreams occurred.

Lucid Dreaming and Melatonin Nightmares

Lucid dreaming occurs when the brain remains in a conscious state while dreams take place. This allows people to control their reactions to dreams.

While some users have reported being able to achieve lucid dreaming after taking melatonin supplements, no definitive studies have been done on this topic.

In general, those who have taken higher doses of melatonin typically report being able to have vivid dreams or experience lucid dreaming, but this is not recommended due to potential risks.

Melatonin taken in high doses or for extended periods of time can put users at risk of experiencing side effects, such as anxiety, headaches, melatonin nightmares and irritability.

Is It Safe to Take Melatonin for Dreams?

Those who are considering taking melatonin in order to have vivid dreams should note that it is important to consult their doctor first. Underlying conditions, such as diabetes, or certain types of medications can cause a higher risk of negative interactions with melatonin.

Consulting with a doctor before use is also important in order to determine the amount of melatonin that can be taken safely.

It is also important to note that melatonin supplements are only considered safe to take for short periods of time, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. [4]

Taking these supplements for long periods of time increases the risk of experiencing side effects or having adverse reactions that can range from mild to serious. These reactions can be worse in those who take certain medications or those who have other health problems.

Parents who are considering giving their children melatonin for sleep problems, colic or other issues should consult their pediatrician first.

Children can also experience nightmares or night terrors when taking melatonin supplements, so parents should weigh this risk against the benefits of having their child take melatonin. Parents should also keep in mind that only low dosages of melatonin in children are considered safe.

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