Melatonin Side Effects
When you're struggling with insomnia or other sleep issues, you may go looking for products to help you get some much-needed rest. There are many products marketed as sleep aids. Some are natural and some are made of a variety of chemicals. Melatonin is one of the natural options available for those with sleep difficulties.
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Identification
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Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally found in your body. It is produced by the pineal gland, which is located in your brain. At night, this gland starts to make melatonin and release it into your bloodstream. According to the Sleep Foundation, this process starts around nine o'clock at night. As melatonin levels increase in your blood stream, you start to feel sleepy. The levels stay up throughout the night and return to lower daytime levels about 12 hours later. As people age, their levels of melatonin decrease, a fact that is implicated in sleep difficulties. For this reason, some people take melatonin as a sleep aid.
Effects
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According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some side effects associated with melatonin. Despite the fact that the hormone is natural, taking it as a supplement can lead to sleepiness during daylight hours, headaches and discomfort in the abdominal area. Some people also experience dizziness and confusion. Nightmares may also occur as a side effect of this supplement, and some people may even sleepwalk.
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Theories/Speculation
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According to Neurology Reviews, there have been some studies that suggest that melatonin plays a role in seizure activity. Some experts think melatonin supplementation actually increases a person's risk of having seizures. According to the Mayo Clinic, however, the jury is still out on whether or not that is true, and some experts disagree with this assessment.
Warning
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It is best to speak with your doctor before taking melatonin to make sure that it will not affect you adversely. This is particularly true if you are taking other medications, as it may interact with certain drugs. Additionally, no one knows what the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation may be. As such, you could put your health at risk if you choose to use it without your doctor's approval.
Considerations
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According to the Mayo Clinic, it is best to take melatonin supplements that are made in the lab instead of produced from animal sources. Melatonin is available without a prescription. According to the Sleep Foundation, however, this substance is not FDA approved. Since it is considered a dietary supplement, its manufacturers do not need to obtain FDA approval in order to sell it.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Miqueias at sxc.hu
