Are you having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? You are not alone. Today, many of us struggle with insomnia, leading to a journey to find solutions that promise a good night’s sleep. Enter melatonin, a hormone and supplement that has become popular for its sleep-inducing properties. But as with any treatment, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Here’s everything you need to know about the world of melatonin and some of the side effects everyone should know.
How does Melatonin affect and help?
Melatonin, often called the “sleep hormone”, plays an important role in regulating our sleep-wake cycles. Naturally produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness, melatonin levels increase in the evening, signaling to our bodies that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep. This natural process can be interrupted by many different factors, such as jet lag, shift work or simply the hustle and bustle of modern life. That’s where melatonin supplements come in, providing a synthetic version of this hormone to help reset our internal clock and promote better sleep. Here are some side effects associated with melatonin consumption:
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Headache
Have you ever taken a melatonin pill and found yourself with a headache instead of drifting off into dreamland? You are not alone. Headaches are one of the most common side effects reported by melatonin users. Although the exact mechanism behind this is not fully understood, it is thought to be related to how melatonin affects blood vessels in the brain. If you find yourself experiencing melatonin-induced headaches, you should discuss with your healthcare provider to explore alternative solutions.
dizzy
You’re getting ready for bed after taking your nightly dose of melatonin when suddenly you get dizzy. This feeling of instability can cause you to lose balance and disorientation, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. While not everyone will experience dizziness when taking melatonin, it is a potential side effect to be aware of, especially if you are prone to feeling lightheaded or dizzy in general.
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Nausea
The last thing you want when trying to sleep is a stomach ache. Unfortunately, nausea is another side effect that some people may experience when taking melatonin. Like headaches and dizziness, the exact cause of melatonin-induced nausea is not fully understood but it is thought to be related to how melatonin interacts with the digestive system. If you feel nauseous after taking melatonin, it is best to take it with a snack or small meal to help reduce this discomfort.
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Daytime sleepiness
The irony of taking sleep aids and waking up feeling more groggy than before is not known to everyone. However, for some people, daytime sleepiness is a side effect of melatonin supplementation. Although melatonin is usually cleared from the body relatively quickly, the lingering effects can sometimes carry over into the next day, leaving you feeling less refreshed. If daytime sleepiness becomes a persistent problem, you should reevaluate your melatonin dosage or explore other sleep-promoting strategies.
