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Unlocking the Secrets of Melatonin: Benefits and Risks You Need to Know

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The short-term use of melatonin is usually considered to be safe; nonetheless, it is not without the potential for negative effects. The prevailing symptoms encompass headache, dizziness, nausea, and excessive somnolence during waking hours. It is vital to possess an understanding of these potential limitations when contemplating the use of melatonin supplements.

In addition, it should be noted that melatonin has the potential to interact with specific medications, hence exerting a notable impact on those with epilepsy and those who are concurrently using blood thinner medications. It is of utmost importance to get guidance from a healthcare practitioner when utilising melatonin supplements if one belongs to these specific groups, as melatonin has the potential to diminish blood coagulation as well.

Additionally, it is crucial to check for side effects due to the potential danger of allergic reactions that may arise from the utilisation of melatonin.

It is recommended to use caution while considering the use of melatonin in pregnant and breastfeeding women, as there is a dearth of extensive studies about its safety in these particular groups.

It is important for older adults to exercise caution regarding the extended effects of melatonin, as these effects have the potential to result in excessive sleepiness throughout the daytime.

It is important to highlight that inside the United States, melatonin is categorised as a dietary supplement, hence being subject to less rigorous regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in comparison to prescription medications or over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. A study conducted in 2017 investigated 31 melatonin supplements available in grocery shops and pharmacies, and discovered inconsistencies between the stated melatonin content on the labels and the actual content in the majority of the items. Remarkably, a substantial proportion of the supplements, specifically 26 percent, were found to contain serotonin, a hormone known to elicit detrimental effects even when present in relatively modest quantities.

KEY References

Evidence for the efficacy of melatonin in the treatment of primary adult sleep disorders – PubMed. (2017, August 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2016.06.005

Hansen, M. V., Halladin, N. L., Rosenberg, J., Gögenur, I., & Møller, A. M. (2015, April 9). Melatonin for pre‐ and postoperative anxiety in adults. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009861.pub2

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline – PubMed. (2017, February 15). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6470

Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians – PubMed. (2016, July 19). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.7326/M15-2175

Hansen, M. V., Halladin, N. L., Rosenberg, J., Gögenur, I., & Møller, A. M. (2015, April 9). Melatonin for pre‐ and postoperative anxiety in adults. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009861.pub2

The effectiveness of melatonin for promoting healthy sleep: a rapid evidence assessment of the literature – PubMed. (2014, November 7). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-106

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Intrinsic Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders: Advanced Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (ASWPD), Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD), Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder (N24SWD), and Irregular Sleep-Wake Rhythm Disorder (ISWRD). An Update for 2015: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline – PubMed. (2015, October 15). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.5100

The Safety of Melatonin in Humans – PubMed. (2016, March 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-015-0368-5

Melatonin and Sleep | Sleep Foundation. (2009, April 17). Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin

Melatonin. (2023, August 10). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071

Melatonin: What You Need To Know. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know

Melatonin Synthesis and Function: Evolutionary History in Animals and Plants – PubMed. (2019, April 17). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2019.00249

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