Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in our body and is responsible for promoting sleep. Since it has a natural calm and sedating effect on the body, it is called ‘sleep hormone’.
The pineal gland in our brain is responsible for releasing melatonin at specific times in the day. The secretion is more at night, when we need to relax and sleep, and its production decreases when there is light outside. Along with its sleep-promoting action, melatonin is also known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. It is also responsible for regulating the immune system, blood pressure and body temperature. As we age, less amount of melatonin is produced by our body resulting in sleeplessness.
Synthetically prepared melatonin is available in markets and is widely revered as an effective supplement for sleep. It is most commonly available in pill form. So, use of this supplement is very popular among people who are facing sleeping disorders like insomnia. Although melatonin is naturally made by the body, it is still necessary to take proper precautions while taking this supplement as like all supplements, this too has many side effects. Melatonin is known to interact with some over-the-counter and prescription medications including antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistamines, and even other supplements.
Here we are going to present 10 side effects of this supplement so that you can decide for yourself if you want to go in for this or not.
Side Effect 1: Drowsiness
If melatonin supplement is taken properly, side effects can be minimal. However, as with other medicines and supplements, side effects can still occur when melatonin supplement is taken in excess. All these symptoms are mild but are there if this supplement is not used with caution.
Melatonin is basically taken as a sleep aid; therefore, sleepiness or drowsiness is a common side effect of melatonin. Some people on this dug do experience daytime drowsiness and reduced alertness and make it difficult to drive or operate machinery.