What Are Signs Of A Melatonin Overdose
If you deal with insomnia, you might do anything for relief. Melatonin is a popular go-to sleep aid because its natural and has a low risk of unwanted side effects.
But while side effects are less common with melatonin compared with other sleep aids, you may experience a few if you overdose and take too much.
There dont appear to be any reports of people dying from overuse of melatonin. But while overuse might not cause death, it can cause a few of the below symptoms:
- Headache
Theres also the threat of rebound insomnia when theres too much of the hormone in your system. Melatonin may stop working after a while, and your sleep problems could even worsen.
Consider Melatonin Sleep Help For Occasional Insomnia
Even sound sleepers have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep once in a while, Buenaver says. You may want to try melatonin for sleep if you have difficulty for more than a night or two. Research shows that a supplement may help people with insomnia fall asleep slightly faster and may have bigger benefits for those with delayed sleep phase syndromefalling asleep very late and waking up late the next day.
Why Do Some People Need Extra Help Getting To Sleep
Imagine youre traveling across the country, spanning a time zone or two along the way. It could wreak havoc on your sleep . Or what if you occasionally work the night shift, throwing your sleep/wake cycle completely off balance? Some people struggle with sleep issues related to Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder . This is a night owl type of disorder in which a persons sleep schedule is shifted later, often by a number of hours, making it hard to get a full nights sleep. But even something as common as stress might make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep sometimes. Taking a melatonin supplement may help in these instances.3 Practicing some sleep hygiene tips for better sleep might also help.
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Does Food Contain Melatonin
A study published in Food and Nutrition Research notes that certain food products do contain various amounts of melatonin as measured by immunological and chromatographic laboratory techniques. How consumption of these various foods might affect endogenous production sleep or was not evaluated:
- Tomatoes
- Wine, beer
- Cows milk
Research finds that melatonin synthesis depends upon availability of the essential amino acid tryptophan, a needed component of the diet. If intake of tryptophan is severely restricted, synthesis of melatonin is significantly reduced in humans.
In the Nurses Health Study, no link was found between the consumption of various nutrients, such as folate, vitamin B6 and zinc and increased urinary excretion.
Diets rich in vegetables, fruits and grain products will contain considerable levels of dietary melatonin. The overall effect of dietary consumption on nighttime levels of melatonin is very limited. Melatonin production is primarily driven by the effects of light and darkness and by age, declining as we get older.
Side Effects Of Too Much Melatonin
It is believed that 10 mg melatonin is safe on a short-term basis. No liver toxicity has been detected, nor any other detrimental long term effects. However, you are more likely to experience grogginess the next day after taking it. Many describe 3-10 mg dosages as producing a hangover-like feeling.
While daytime grogginess is the most common side effect experienced with melatonin, some people experience headaches, stomach cramps, irritability, and momentary depression when using.
In 2017, a Chinese university published as study reporting that melatonin increases aggression when compared to placebo. 63 healthy men participated, so it was a fairly large study.
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What To Look For
The FDA doesn’t monitor how companies make food supplements or their quality. So the dose you buy may not be what the label says.
A 2017 study analyzed 31 melatonin supplements. The levels of melatonin ranged from 83% lower to 478% higher than what the product labels said. Also, in some cases different bottles of the same product varied drastically.
That’s why it’s a good idea to buy a brand that has been certified by Consumer Lab or the US Pharmacopeial Convention.
Does Melatonin Help With Cancer Symptoms
Studies of the effect of melatonin supplements on cancer symptoms or treatment-related side effects have been small and have had mixed results.
Keep in mind that unproven products should not be used to replace or delay conventional medical treatment for cancer. Also, some products can interfere with standard cancer treatments or have special risks for people whoâve been diagnosed with cancer. Before using any complementary health approach, including melatonin, people whoâve been diagnosed with cancer should talk with their health care providers to make sure that all aspects of their care work together.
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Who Should Buy Melatonin
Melatonin has a pretty targeted use, but a surprisingly large number of different categories of people find it useful. The sleep-promoting effects of melatonin make it a good first-line treatment for insomnia, and its uses extend to other situations where sleep may be compromised.
Older adults, who often have trouble sleeping, are also among the categories of people who may find melatonin useful indeed, melatonin has been used in clinical research on sleep disturbances in the elderly with good success.
Melatonin is a favorite among international travellers too, thanks to its ability to combat the productivity-sapping effects of jet lag.
With careful timing, a small to moderate dosage of melatonin can help reset your bodys biological clock and get you into your daily routine in a new time zone after travel.
Why Melatonin Pills Are Bad
In 1993, MIT filed a patent for the best melatonin sleep dosage 1 mg or less. Dr. Richard J. Wurtman is credited as the inventor. The application was approved in 1995.
During the 20 years after that, dietary supplements couldnt legally sell capsules or tablets which were less than 1 mg. As such, they typically came to market with 3 and 5 mg pills, which is too much melatonin. Yet it was a way to circumvent the patent and avoid licensing it.
Given that using this substance for sleep was a novel idea, MIT could probably have claimed any dosage in their filing.
According to Dr. Wurtman, the whole reason they only pursued 1 mg or less was because:
They were wrong.
In the 1990s, the FDA had bigger issues to deal with, like nicotine addiction, and didnt bother to step in on this issue.
As a result, up to 10 mg melatonin supplements are the norm on store shelves these days.
Even though the patent has long expired, manufacturers continue to make these high dose melatonin tablets because the average consumer assumes that more is better. Since it sells better than a low dose version, they dont really have a financial incentive to sell the right amount.
Generic and lesser-known brands tend to use similar dosing amounts.
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What Is The Best Melatonin Dosage
People struggling with sleep issues often make the mistake of taking too much melatonin at once assuming that thats the best way to get better sleep. Excessive melatonin can just disrupt your sleep cycle and cause serious side effects , so its always best to consult your doctor if you arent sure.
For insomnia and occasional sleeplessness, the average adult typically takes 0.2 milligrams to 5 milligrams about an hour before bedtime. A good rule of thumb is less is better. Its better to start with the smallest dosage possible. Once your body adjusts to the smaller melatonin dosage, you can increase your dosage as needed.3
Your age, weight, and sensitivity to melatonin can affect how much of the supplement you should take. A study from MIT shows that adults over 50 should take 0.3 milligrams of melatonin to maintain good sleep throughout the night.4
What To Know About Dietary Supplements And Safety
The FDA classifies melatonin as a dietary supplement, meaning that its regulated less strictly than a regular drug. For dietary supplements, label claims and product safety dont have to meet FDA approval before theyre marketed.
A 2017 study of 31 different melatonin supplements found that the actual melatonin content of 71 percent of the products didnt match the claim on the label. Additionally, 26 percent of products contained serotonin, which can be potentially harmful even in small doses.
When shopping for melatonin supplements, look for products that are USP verified. United States Pharmacopeia is an independent organization that works to ensure proper quality and dosing of dietary supplements.
- confusion or disorientation
- low blood pressure
If you experience side effects from melatonin, stop taking it and speak with your doctor. They may recommend using a lower dose or trying out an alternative medication or sleep aid.
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Benefits The Cardiovascular System
Several studies suggest that melatonin may help to promote cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and promoting more healthy cholesterol levels.16
Your bodys internal clock and the amount of light you are exposed to affect how much melatonin you create. Generally, toward the end of the day, your body naturally creates more melatonin, making you sleepy. By early morning or sunrise, your melatonin levels drop off, causing you to wake up.1
However, your melatonin can easily fluctuate based on various environmental factors. Shorter, darker days in winter can interfere with your natural sleep cycle by causing you to produce melatonin earlier than usual. Recently, blue light from computer and phone screens has become a big problem as it suppresses the secretion of melatonin, which ultimately prevents you from getting a full, restful night of sleep.2
What Are The Benefits Of Melatonin For Sleep
Studies consistently show that melatonin can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more effectively but not necessarily increase total sleep time.
Melatonin has also been used effectively to shift sleep schedules, which can be beneficial for people with Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and jet lag .
For REM sleep behavior disorder which is characterized by abnormal, often violent body movements during sleep scientists reported major benefits from taking melatonin. This included a marked decrease in muscle tension during REM cycles .
Omega Restore users have frequently commented on similar body-calming effects, even in people without RBD. Partners often report their significant other tends to sleep with less movement and tossing around, as well as snore less and breathe more quietly.
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I Just Took 60 Mg Of Melatonin What Could Happen
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Can You Overdose On Melatonin How To Determine The Right Dosage For You
Melatonin is natural, but taking too much of the supplement may lead to adverse side effects. Heres how to recognize signs of a potential overdose.
Tossing and turning night after night can take a toll on your mental and physical health. This can make you feel sluggish, irritable, and achy throughout the day. So naturally you might seek a sleep aid for better rest.
Some people see results with over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills. But before going down this path, consider a natural approach, like melatonin supplements.
Melatonin is a neurohormone that controls our sleep-wake cycle, and many formulations and dosages are available over the counter, explains Ofer Jacobowitz, MD, PhD, an otolaryngologist and sleep expert based in New York City. It can be useful when you are trying to advance your bedtime, especially when combined with reducing light exposure two hours before bedtime.
Melatonin is naturally produced by the pineal gland and gradually released into your bloodstream as you prepare for sleep. But if your body doesnt produce enough of this hormone, you may have problems falling asleep or staying asleep.
Melatonin supplements are generally safe when taken appropriately, but it is possible to overdo it. Read on to learn how to recognize a melatonin overdose.
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What Not To Take With Melatonin
Because melatonin can affect your sleep-wake cycle, avoid taking it with alcohol or caffeine. These can interfere with your circadian rhythm and your natural melatonin production.
Before starting melatonin or any over-the-counter medication or supplement, talk with your doctor. This is especially true if you take other medications.
For example, birth control pills may cause your body to start producing more melatonin, so taking a supplement could push your levels into an unhealthy range.
Taking melatonin with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin , could increase your risk of bleeding.
You should also avoid taking melatonin if you take corticosteroids to suppress your immune response for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
If you think you may have overdosed on melatonin, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
You should call 911 and seek emergency help if you have symptoms such as:
- shortness of breath
- sudden chest pain
- blood pressure thats 180/120 mm Hg or higher
These signs may not be related to melatonin or an interaction between melatonin and other medications. However, they shouldnt be ignored, as they can indicate a medical emergency.
Though melatonin can be very helpful for some people needing a little extra help falling and staying asleep, its not for everyone. You may not tolerate it well, even at low doses. You may find that it doesnt help you sleep, regardless of the dose you try.
Adverse Effects Of Melatonin Intake: Overview
Consumption of food supplements that contain melatonin or mainly contain melatonin has shown adverse effects in numerous studies. The most frequently reported side effects include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, tremors, migraine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nightmares, vivid dreams, and irritability. There were even cases of supplement abuse for suicide attempts through melatonin overdose.
The reason for such adverse effects was traced to an incorrect presentation of the amount of melatonin a bottle of supplements truly contains. Investigation shows that melatonin supplement bottles can have 4 times more melatonin than indicated. This can affect ones health significantly, because of the higher the dose, the serious and more frequent side effects.
However, this is not the only reason side effects occur. Sometimes, doctors do NOT prescribe a suitable dosage, or the patients decide to dose themselves as they want. Some people even tend to drink alcohol with melatonin, hoping to emphasize the sedative effects. But, they just cause even more serious side effects.
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More Reasons That Less Is More
Melatonin can affect fertility! In women, it can change progesterone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone and thyroid levels. In men, regular use of the darkness hormone can lower libido and can affect sperm both decrease the count and slow it down. Remember, high levels of melatonin can suppress puberty in children. Additionally, too much melatonin taken at once can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or irritability. Very high levels of melatonin are associated with daytime grogginess, tiredness, and hypothermia.
Side Effects Of Melatonin
Like any other dietary supplement, melatonin may cause side effects in some peoplepossible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Dr. Bollu says drowsiness can mean either excessive sleepiness at night or grogginess the next day. He also adds that interfering with your bodys natural sleep cues may carry another side effect as well.
Taking a hypnotic medication regularly, on a nightly basis, would dampen your innate drive to sleep, explains Dr. Bollu, who adds that although we dont know for certain, this could also be true for melatonin. However, some research suggests melatonin may not dampen this drive in the same way that Ambien, for example, does. When your body recognizes more melatonin in the body, it begins to slow down its own production of melatonin over time. Therefore, short-term use of a melatonin supplement is preferred.
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Is Melatonin Safe For Senior Citizens
Since the deterioration of sleep quality with age occurs by itself due to lower melatonin production, melatonin supplements seem to be the simplest way to fill the need for this hormone. But are they safe for the elderly?
A study conducted in 2007 concluded that prolonged-release melatonin supplements showed good results in improving the quality of sleep in patients aged 55 years and older. The results were good for patients with dementia as well as for those whose cognitive functions were not significantly impaired. Therefore, taking melatonin is not only safe but also effective.
But its important to remember that the elderly, along with insomnia, often have age-related and chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases and melatonin can interfere with the effectiveness of the drugs aimed at treating these conditions. Thats why, before you start taking melatonin supplements, an appointment with a healthcare professional is highly advised.
Can Promote Eye Health
Melatonin is high in antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage and keep your eyes healthy.
In fact, research suggests that melatonin could be beneficial in treating conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration .
In a study in 100 people with AMD, supplementing with 3 mg of melatonin for 624 months helped protect the retina, delay age-related damage and preserve visual clarity .
Additionally, a rat study found that melatonin decreased the severity and incidence of retinopathy an eye disease that affects the retina and can result in vision loss .
However, research is limited and additional human studies are needed to determine the effects of long-term melatonin supplements on eye health.
Summary
Melatonin is high in antioxidants and has been shown to treat eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration and retinopathy in human and animal studies.
19 ).
Melatonin has been shown to block the secretion of stomach acids. It also decreases the production of nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes your lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter your esophagus .
For this reason, some research suggests that melatonin may be used to treat heartburn and GERD.
One study in 36 people showed that taking melatonin alone or with omeprazole a common GERD medication was effective at relieving heartburn and discomfort .
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