Pharmacists recommend melatonin for chronic and acute insomnia, for people who work at night or in shifts, when traveling and changing time zones, as well as for insomnia caused by an abstinence crisis during withdrawal from cigarettes, alcohol or drugs.
Insomnia and the exhaustion of the body, which it causes, even if they last only a few days, can lead to more serious health problems. It leads to increased stress and anxiety, as well as a drop in immunity and possible depression. A good and invigorating sleep is necessary for the normal functioning of the body.
Melatonin is a substance that the body naturally produces during the night and that makes it easier to fall asleep and allows for more solid sleep.
The secretion of melatonin decreases over the years and after the age of 45 it begins to decline significantly. For this very reason, elderly people often have a problem with insomnia. Melatonin deficiency can be compensated by taking melatonin in the form of dietary supplements, it says New sheet.
Side effects of melatonin are quite rare, but it's always good to be careful.
In certain periods of life, for various reasons, from the accumulation of stress to pregnancy, this supplement is used specifically for mild problems with insomnia.
The correct use of melatonin supplements, i.e. its "synthetic" version, in appropriate doses and according to the doctor's indication, does not include special side effects.
However, improper use or excessive doses can lead to some effects that should be considered:
1. Drowsiness
Among the most common side effects are drowsiness during the day after taking it and feeling dizzy.
For this reason, those who perform tasks that require attention and concentration during the day should be warned of possible effects on alertness and should carefully read the instructions on the package.
2. Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity
This type of symptom is very rare and is usually not caused by melatonin. Sometimes, however, an allergic reaction can be associated with excipients present in the medicine.
If you know that you are allergic to a certain ingredient (for example lactose intolerance), it is advisable to inform the pharmacist at the time of purchase in order to choose another product.
3. Interaction with drugs
It is possible that melatonin supplementation may interfere with existing drug therapy.
For example, melatonin in inadequate doses can cause tachycardia and depression in those taking medications to regulate the heart or mood.
These effects are important and should not be underestimated. That's why the doctor's opinion is important in such situations.
Even sedatives or medications for stress, anxiety or insomnia, such as benzodiazepines or real sleeping pills, associated with melatonin can increase the effect.
The same applies to contraceptive pills, antiepileptic drugs or diabetes drugs.
Melatonin, among its many functions, plays an important role in stimulating the immune system, so those taking immunosuppressants must be careful.
Finally, it is good to keep in mind the interaction with caffeine, which reduces the level of melatonin in the body: drinking coffee and then taking a supplement would be completely useless for falling asleep.
Contraindications
Because of melatonin's possible side effects and possible interactions with certain classes of medications, it is important to ask your doctor for their opinion and use caution if you have certain medical conditions including liver disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, epilepsy, depression, or blood clotting.
When it comes to pregnant and lactating women, it is not yet clear whether melatonin supplements can have negative effects on the fetus or its development during pregnancy. Hard scientific evidence is lacking. That is why in these cases it is necessary to request a medical assessment.
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