Negative Side Effects of Melatonin
For those who have trouble sleeping, melatonin seems like a safe option. Produced by the pineal gland, melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle. As people get older, the body produces less of the hormone. The sleep cycle can also be disrupted by odd sleeping hours. Those with disrupted sleep cycles, or those who are unable to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone, may benefit from taking melatonin supplements. Just because it's naturally produced in the body, though, doesn't mean melatonin is free of negative side effects.
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Vivid Dreams
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Taking melatonin can cause vivid dreams and nightmares.
Sleepwalking
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Patients taking melatonin have been known to sleepwalk. Sleepwalking usually ceases after the patient stops taking the supplement.
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Mood Swings
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According to WebMD, it's rare, but melatonin can cause mood swings, which include irritability and depression. If the user already has a problem with depression, melatonin may make his symptoms worse.
Abdominal Side Effects
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Melatonin can cause abdominal cramping and nausea.
Decreased Sperm Count
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According to an article posted on the Institute for Optimum Health website, studies show that continued use of melatonin may decrease sperm count and quality.
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