With the wide availability of over-the-counter medicines and herbal remedies it is very easy to self-diagnose our illnesses and find a medication that claims to cure whatever illnesses you think you have. However, what may claim to cure you can make you very sick if you don’t know the potential side effects of the medicine. Melatonin has become a very popular supplement in recent years used to treat jet lag and insomnia. However, like with all medications, there is the potential of serious melatonin side effects, especially if it is taken with other medications.
Melatonin is a growth hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland; the production of melatonin is higher at night or in the dark and it helps regulate the body’s sleep cycle. It is believed that melatonin may help the body to know when it is time to go to sleep and when it is time to wake up. There are two types of melatonin: natural (what is produced by the body) and synthetic (man-made). The synthetic version is sold in a variety of stores in pill form and is considered to be one of the safest supplements available. However, it is important to know that synthetic melatonin has not been approved by the FDA and there is not regulation on the quality or purity of the melatonin sold.
Melatonin side effects are considerably smaller than other types of herbal remedies; but there are still side effects you need to be aware of before taking melatonin. Also, if you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements it is important to consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking melatonin. Melatonin side effects include slower reaction times, “heavy” heads and stomachs and continued drowsiness throughout the day. Melatonin side effects seem to be more severe in persons with weakened immune systems; therefore, doctors recommend that people with mental illness, severe allergies or cancer not take melatonin. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use melatonin.
Although the side effects of melatonin are relatively mild for most of us, it should not be used as a cure-all for insomnia. A visit to your doctor to find out the cause of your insomnia and learn about other treatments is wise before beginning melatonin. Your doctor can also tell you more about melatonin and what effects it might have on you in your particular health situation. However, if your insomnia is temporary due to jet lag or a lifestyle change, the short-term use of melatonin may be just what you need to get your body back into a normal sleep pattern.
Tags: Melatonin Dosage, natural melatonin, sleep cycle, synthetic melatonin