Fall Asleep Faster, Sleep Better: But What About Side Effects?
The promise of falling asleep faster and sleeping better hangs over melatonin-containing products like a tempting whisper. But alongside these claims, concerns linger about potential side effects.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) urges caution when consuming melatonin supplements. This advice rings especially true for pregnant women, <a href="https://time.news/with-children-caution-is-needed-time-news/” title=”with children caution is needed- time.news”>breastfeeding women, children, adolescents, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Prolonged use of melatonin has been associated with undesirable health consequences, as scientific evidence suggests.
The availability of melatonin-containing sleeping pills in drugstores and online has surged in recent years. These preparations, marketed as sprays, capsules, drops, powder, or soft gums, often exceed the recommended daily dose of conventional melatonin medications.
While melatonin is officially approved for treating sleep disorders in adults aged 55 and over, as well as children and adolescents with specific conditions, it’s important to note that dietary supplements aren’t subject to the same rigorous approval requirements as pharmaceuticals.
Potential consequences of melatonin use include:
Pronounced daytime sleepiness and reduced alertness, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
Other possible side effects include prolonged reaction times and blood sugar level fluctuations, raising concerns about the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes.
The BfR emphasizes the lack of sufficient research regarding the long-term health effects of melatonin, urging caution and further investigation in this area.