Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal glands in the brain and has long been linked with controlling the sleep-wake cycle. As an herbal supplement, it’s frequently taken orally, either by mouth or as a spray, for the temporary treatment of insomnia. Although melatonin is relatively safe when used as directed, there may be problems that some people run into if they take too much of it. Here are some things to watch out for.
Reduces fertility:
It’s been known for some time that taking melatonin supplements can have an effect on fertility. If you’re trying to get pregnant, be aware that melatonin can interfere with fertility and should not be used while pregnant. Also, the level of melatonin in a woman’s body declines during pregnancy, which may make it difficult for her to become pregnant. Taking melatonin as directed will help her maintain the appropriate levels.
Shift workers:
Some of the long-term health effects of melatonin supplements have also been studied. Shift workers often suffer from sleep deprivation. It has been found that employers who work at night have lower counts of melatonin than do those who work at conventional jobs. Melatonin helps to regulate sleep and circadian rhythms, which may help explain its effect on shift workers. However, this isn’t the whole story. It may be that melatonin supplements help workers who travel a lot have fewer complaints of insomnia after taking them.
Side effects:
Like other natural substances, some natural products like melatonin can have side effects. Some research has suggested that using natural dietary supplements may be particularly helpful in the case of melatonin side effects because these products aren’t subject to the same rigorous testing and manufacturing standards as pharmaceuticals. Melatonin is produced in the pineal glands of humans, so consuming it naturally through diet has long been considered safe. But because of its lack of medical use, its safety has never been scientifically proven.
Overdose:
Because of some of melatonin’s side effects, including potentially creating insomnia, some researchers are urging the Food and Drug Administration to develop a list of side-effects linked to melatonin use. For now, there is no list. However, melatonin is generally considered safe when taken according to plan. Taking it beyond the recommended dosage can cause a number of side effects, including hallucinations, nightmares, and strange behaviors. Because of this potential risk, any melatonin overdose should be treated promptly.
Increased Heart Attacks:
It’s important to note that some melatonin side effects have been found only after extensive research and potentially harmful ingestion. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that taking melatonin by itself led to an increased heart rate, which can lead to an increased risk of a heart attack. Another case study reported that pregnant women who took melatonin were more likely to have problems during their pregnancy. Researchers also caution that these results should be discussed with your doctor since they are inconclusive.
Depression:
One of the most serious of all melatonin side effects is depression. A number of studies have reported that melatonin has been found to increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which can lead to negative emotional responses such as mood swings, irritability, and even psychotic behavior. Because of this potential problem, most doctors will not prescribe melatonin to their patients unless there is good cause to do so.
Melatonin Overdose:
When facing a Melatonin overdose, serious side effects may occur. Melatonin is an important part of the sleep cycle, and overdose can have an adverse effect on your body. A Melatonin Overdose can be dangerous to both people and animals if not properly monitored and used. It is imperative that you consult with your doctor before taking any supplements containing melatonin, whether commercially made or homeopathic.
The most common side effects of melatonin overdose are:
- Depression,
- Sleepiness,
- Irritability, and
- Drowsiness.
These symptoms are commonly experienced after taking a supplement for several days. These symptoms usually decrease over a week’s time, which could mean you are no longer at risk of Melatonin overdose. However, if these symptoms persist you should consult your doctor as this could be a sign of an underlying problem. It is recommended that you stop taking the supplement immediately if these symptoms persist.
High Blood Pressure:
If you are taking a melatonin overdose and have high blood pressure, you should visit your doctor immediately. High blood pressure can cause many different problems in your body including headaches, dizziness, sweating, and even an irregular heartbeat. In order to prevent these additional side effects from occurring, your doctor will most likely advise you to reduce your melatonin use or monitor closely the levels you are maintaining. While decreasing your melatonin use it is recommended that you also reduce your daily stress level as this has been linked to an increased melatonin overdose. Regular blood pressure checks up with your doctor will ensure you do not develop any further problems.
Sleeping Pills:
In addition to the above side effects, there is also a chance of Melatonin Overdose with the use of certain sleeping pills. These sleeping pills contain melatonin, which is a natural compound found in the body. When taken for a long period of time, this compound can build up in the body and prevent the normal release of melatonin by the natural sleep process. In an attempt to get their bodies back into the sleep cycle, some people will take more than the recommended dose of melatonin and overdose on the sleeping pill.
Wrong Dosage of Drugs:
Melatonin Overdose can also occur if you take the wrong dosage of the drug. Undertaking a melatonin overdose can result in severe symptoms including confusion, hallucinations, severe sweating, fast heart rate, and even death. Even though this last side effect sounds scary, it is not as dangerous as overdose. Symptoms of a Melatonin overdose are much less severe and usually will take only a few hours to go away.
Conclusion
To avoid a Melatonin Overdose there are a few simple things to remember. Check with your doctor to make sure you are using the right dose for your age. Be sure to maintain your levels at their optimum level each day. Reduce your stress levels and try to get plenty of sleep each night. You may find that taking a daily supplement can help your body adjust to the extra amount of melatonin in your system and reduce the risk of an overdose.
Melatrol:
While there are many natural supplements and creams available to treat insomnia and other melatonin side effects, you may want to consider Melatrol. As one of the top-selling natural supplements for treating sleep disorders, Melatrol has earned the respect of millions of users. Melatrol uses a special blend of natural ingredients that work harmoniously together to bring you high-quality results. You owe it to yourself to try Melatrol and reap the benefits that melatonin has to offer.