Melatonin: Popular Sleep Aid with Potential Side Effects
Published: August 8, 2024, 5:14 PM
Melatonin, a popular sleep aid available in various forms like sprays, capsules, drops, powders, and gummy drops, has become a common supplement for promoting restful sleep. While it’s readily available without a prescription, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) urges caution due to potential side effects.
Potential Risks and Concerns
The BfR advises against the indiscriminate use of melatonin, particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers, children, young adults, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Research suggests that long-term use of melatonin can have unforeseen health consequences.
Melatonin’s Impact and Side Effects
Melatonin, a natural hormone produced by the body, regulates sleep patterns. Its increasing popularity has led to a surge in melatonin-containing products in drugstores and online. While some products adhere to recommended dosage, others exceed the standard dose of conventional melatonin medications.
The BfR acknowledges melatonin’s efficacy for treating sleep disorders in specific age groups, such as those 55 and over, and children with autism or Smith-Magenis syndrome. However, it emphasizes that nutritional supplements are not subject to the same regulatory standards as medications.
Taking melatonin can lead to various side effects, including:
- Severe daytime fatigue
- Morning dizziness and unsteady legs
- Reduced attention and increased risk of accidents
- Headaches, blood pressure drops, and body temperature fluctuations
- Nightmares and weakness
- Potential worsening of inflammation or autoimmune diseases
Additional Concerns and Precautions
The BfR warns of potential confusion surrounding melatonin-containing gummy drops, citing reported cases of children accidentally ingesting these products.
While the potential long-term risks of melatonin remain under investigation, concerns exist regarding its impact on blood sugar levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes.