Melatonin Side Effects: How Will It Change Your Body?

With over 54% of Malaysians suffering from sleep insufficiency, sleep aid supplements may seem enticing. Melatonin is touted as a miracle molecule, but are you aware of melatonin’s side effects?  

Before jumping on the melatonin bandwagon, note that it is not for everybody. Like all synthetic drugs, it can have certain effects on your body that might make you consider other natural alternatives. 

We Already Produce Melatonin Naturally, So Why Supplement?

Melatonin is a hormone found in many animals and plants. In humans, melatonin is synthesised in the brain’s pineal gland. In conditions of low light, such as night-time, melatonin levels increase and signal our body to begin feeling sleepy.

In some cases, like when experiencing jet lag or transitioning into menopause, your body’s internal clock goes out of sync. When this happens, melatonin production may be interrupted, making it hard for you to fall asleep. In these instances, a medical practitioner may prescribe exogenous or synthetic melatonin for the short term. 

Beware of Melatonin Side Effects

Melatonin crosses the blood-brain barrier, which means it interacts directly and relatively quickly with your body. Labelling inconsistencies make overdosing a possibility with melatonin. Clinical experts recommend that adults start with 1 mg and then increase it by 1 mg (not exceeding 10 mg) every week until they’ve reduced the time it takes to fall asleep.

Let’s look into the side effects of melatonin supplements. 

Daytime sleepiness and grogginess 

One of the most common complaints of exogenous melatonin is that it can make you tired even during the day. Some users find that while melatonin helps them fall asleep, they may not necessarily wake up energised. Feeling groggy is an indication that you may have overdosed.

Headaches and dizziness 

Having a headache or dizzy spells is another side effect of melatonin supplementation. These side effects can get in the way of normal living. Dizziness can be an added risk, especially if your occupation involves driving or using machinery.

Vivid dreams or nightmares 

Another possible side effect of melatonin usage is dreams that make you even more tired. While you may get seven or more hours of sleep with melatonin, it may not necessarily be quality sleep.

Agitation and increased bedwetting in children 

Melatonin supplementation in children can make them more restless. Those who fall asleep too deeply may end up wetting their beds. Take caution before giving melatonin to your child. Doctors generally recommend behavioural and other interventions first. 

Hypermelatoninemia 

Taking too much melatonin can result in a condition called hypermelatoninemia. This is when your peak night-time melatonin levels are higher than normal. Hypermelatoninemia has been associated with serious conditions like anorexia nervosa, hypogonadism and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

Contraindications for Melatonin 

Melatonin supplements aren’t recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as there aren’t enough studies to confirm their safety. One study also indicated that it could compromise sperm quality in men by decreasing sperm count and motility.

Melatonin is contraindicated for individuals with certain health conditions. People with kidney or liver problems may not be able to metabolise melatonin properly. Those who suffer from depression, as well as older people with dementia, should avoid taking it. Meanwhile, research is still unclear on the effects of melatonin on people with autoimmune conditions.

Natural Alternatives to Melatonin

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognises the presence of melatonin in nature. Research revealed that melatonin is readily available in many TCM herbs at varying concentrations. 

According to TCM physician Lee Shin Wei, TCM views sleep disturbances from the perspective of Excess or Deficiency: 

Excess syndromes and symptoms 

• Pathogenic Fire derived from Liver Stagnation: Impatient, depressed, and anxious. 
• Phlegm-Heat disturbance: Dizziness, heart palpitations, and heavy limbs. 

Deficiency syndromes and symptoms 

• Fire derived from Yin (cold) Deficiency: Staying up late, feeling restless before bed, suffering from insomnia, feverish limbs and heart, and red tongue.  
• Heart and Spleen Deficiency: Experiencing a lot of dreams, light sleep, heart palpitations, and forgetfulness. 
• Timidness from Heart Deficiency: Being a light sleeper, getting easily scared. 

Herbs and acupuncture 

Many TCM herbs and formulations can help with sleep issues. Lotus seeds (lian zi, 莲子), for example, can up-regulate GABA receptors in our body. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in our nervous system. 

Many non-caffeinated herbal teas are also a good choice. Rooibos tea is a calming beverage that you can drink before bedtime. Research has shown that it is effective in lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Rooibos also contains magnesium, an important mineral that helps reduce insomnia in older adults.

In addition to herbal medicine, acupuncture is another TCM modality that has effectively improved insomnia. A 2013 study demonstrated that acupuncture effectively improved sleep quality and decreased daytime dysfunction among 180 patients with primary insomnia. 

Some acupoints that can be massaged to encourage sleep and relaxation are shen men (HT7 神门), nei guan (PC6, 內关), bai hui (DUGV20, 百会), and an mian (EX-HN16, 安眠).

Lifestyle considerations

Physician Lee also reminds us of lifestyle habits that can help promote good sleep. “Get enough exercise during the day so that you expend any extra energy. Avoid stressing yourself out so that you won’t delay your sleeping time and affect your sleep quality. Also, you will feel restless if your stomach is feeling unwell. Resolve any gastrointestinal problems as soon as possible so that they will not affect your sleep,” she advises.

Like all synthetic compounds and drugs, taking exogenous melatonin will have side effects. While it may work well for some people, the side effects might not be worth it for you. Consider other natural alternatives that help promote quality sleep that leaves you rested and relaxed.