Do you also have trouble sleeping at night? Do you toss and turn for hours after going to bed? Or do you suffer from jet lag, which is when you fall asleep during the day and wake up at night? You may have heard that some people use something called 'melatonin' for times like these. So, today we'll talk about what melatonin is, is it really good to use, and what we need to be careful about.
Simply put, what is melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by a small gland in our brain. In fact, it is the main hormone that controls our body's "sleep-wake cycle." When it gets dark in the evening, our melatonin levels rise, which is what makes us sleepy. When it gets light in the morning, melatonin levels drop, waking us up.
But sometimes this cycle gets disrupted. For example, this happens in people with insomnia, or in the case of ``Jet Lag`` that occurs when traveling to another country. It is at times like these that some people take melatonin externally.
The most important thing is that melatonin available in pharmacies is not a registered drug, but is considered a dietary supplement . This means that it cannot cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking melatonin
If you are considering using melatonin, it is extremely important to talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
| Do you have this condition? | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Cancer | Because some cancers are hormone-dependent, melatonin may have an effect. |
| Depression or other mental illness | Melatonin can alter mood and may cause problems with medications you are taking. |
| Diabetes | Melatonin can affect blood sugar levels. |
| Hormone-related problems | Because melatonin is a hormone, it can affect the balance of other hormones in the body. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Taking alcohol and melatonin together can cause excessive drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Immune system weaknesses or diseases | Melatonin can stimulate or suppress the immune system. |
| Liver diseases | Melatonin is removed from the body by the liver. If the liver is weak, melatonin can accumulate in the body. |
| If you have had an organ transplant | Melatonin can cause problems with medications taken by organ transplant patients. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | There is not enough data on the safety of melatonin during pregnancy. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | There is no clear information on whether melatonin can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
The correct method and dosage to use
- Take this by mouth with a glass of water . Do not take with food, as it may reduce absorption.
- This is usually taken an hour or two before going to bed .
- Measure the dose using a special measuring spoon or container that comes with it. Do not measure with regular teaspoons at home, as they are not very accurate.
- After drinking this, do not engage in any other tasks (especially tasks that require attention) other than getting ready for bed.
- If you accidentally drink too much , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if you give it to children?
If children have sleep problems, the first thing to do is to find out the cause. It is not recommended to give melatonin to children without a doctor's recommendation. A doctor can examine the child and only give it to the child in a prescribed dose if necessary. Therefore, if you are giving it to your child, be sure to see a pediatrician.
Can there be problems with other medications? (Interactions)
Yes, absolutely. Melatonin can interact with many other medications. It is very important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies.
| Drug/substance type | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| Fluvoxamine, Ramelteon, Tasimelteon | Since these also affect sleep or mental states, taking them with melatonin can cause dangerous side effects. |
| Be very careful when taking these with you. | |
| Alcohol and caffeine | Alcohol can severely increase sleepiness, while caffeine reduces the effects of melatonin. |
| Medications for depression and anxiety | Increased drowsiness and other side effects may occur. |
| Female hormones, including birth control pills | It can affect melatonin levels in the body. |
| Some blood pressure medications (e.g. Nifedipine) | Blood pressure control may be affected. |
| Warfarin (a medicine used to prevent blood clotting) | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Smoking tobacco | Smoking can reduce melatonin levels in the body. |
The most dangerous risk: activities done in sleep!
This is something that many people don't know, but it's a very serious issue. Some people, after taking melatonin, may wake up and do various things without even realizing it. For example:
- Sleep-driving
- Cooking and eating in your sleep
- Talking on the phone
- Sleep-walking
The worst part is that the person may not remember anything they did the next morning. This can be very dangerous. If this happens to you or someone you know, stop taking melatonin immediately and tell your doctor. This risk is even greater when taken with alcohol.
Possible side effects
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in mind and behavior | Excessive anger, agitation, mental confusion, increased depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Things that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Feeling sleepy the next day | Drowsiness the day after use. |
| Headache and dizziness | Headache and dizziness. |
| Nausea | Nausea. |
| Bedwetting in children | Bedwetting in children. |
Take-Home Message
- Melatonin is a dietary supplement that can help with sleep, not a miracle cure for insomnia.
- Before using this, be sure to talk to your doctor if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Never give melatonin to children without medical advice.
- Be aware of serious side effects such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving. If this happens, stop taking the medication immediately and see a doctor.
- If you accidentally take too much, go to the National Poisons Information Centre or Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
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