Dr. Dustin Cotliar Sleep Medicine Physician Dustin Cotliar holds a medical degree from the State University of NY (SUNY) Downstate College of Medicine, and a master’s in public health from Columbia University, where he focused on healthcare policy and management. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine, with over eight years of practice that includes emergency medicine, urgent care, and telemedicine. Read Full Bio
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Melatonin supplements are widely available and commonly used as a sleep aid. In the last two decades, melatonin usage has increased consistently among adults in the United States. As with any supplement or medication, safety is a top priority. Before taking melatonin, it is important to understand the possible side effects and potential interactions with other drugs.
Melatonin can help, but it’s best to find the source of your sleep issues. Answer these questions to better understand your sleep.
Snore loudly? Tired during the day? Wake up short of breath? See Your Risk Please select all optionsAdverse effects of melatonin tend to occur with higher doses or with supplements designed to provide extended release of melatonin. Melatonin can also remain active in the body for longer periods of time in older adults. This means that melatonin may be more likely to cause sleepiness the next day when it is taken by older people.
In adults, adverse reactions to melatonin tend to be relatively rare Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and mild, but there are some common side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with a doctor, and discontinue use of melatonin if they persist.
Much of the research has focused on the effects of taking melatonin for only a short period of time. Further research is needed, but the available evidence suggests that melatonin is generally safe for adults when used for up to three months.
“Most people end up taking a dose of melatonin that is unnecessarily high through no fault of their own due to formulations stocked on shelves. For most people 1-3 mgs is more than enough and is just as effective as higher doses, but with less risk of side effects.”
Dr. Dustin Cotliar Sleep Medicine Physician, MDThe safety of melatonin use in children has not been fully determined. More studies are required Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source to better understand its short- and long-term effects in young people. In the limited research to date, the potential short-term side effects of melatonin in children may include:
The long-term effects of melatonin in children are less clear. Some researchers have concerns that melatonin could disrupt normal hormone levels and interfere with puberty, though further research is needed.
Parents and caregivers should consult with their child’s pediatrician to better understand the potential risks of melatonin supplements. While melatonin may help with certain sleep disorders, medical professionals do not recommend melatonin as a general sleep aid for children or adolescents.
There is evidence that melatonin can be helpful for children experiencing insomnia or a delayed circadian rhythm. But parents and caregivers should avoid using melatonin to induce sleep in otherwise healthy kids or teenagers. Experts suggest starting with lifestyle and behavioral changes prior to trying melatonin.
Melatonin is generally considered to be safe for short-term use in adults, but there may be safety concerns for people with certain preexisting conditions or those taking specific medications.
Melatonin is not right for everyone, and certain people should be cautious and speak with a doctor before taking melatonin supplements.
In addition, melatonin can interact with certain medications, like blood thinners. Anyone taking prescription medications should talk with a doctor before trying melatonin.
Melatonin can cause adverse effects at higher doses, but it is unlikely to cause a lethal overdose. In adults, higher doses may cause uncomfortable side effects such as headache and nausea.
Melatonin overdose in children is a growing concern with increasing hospitalizations Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source in recent years, largely due to accidental ingestion of melatonin in young children. Parents and caregivers should practice safe storage of all medications and supplements around the house.
It is also important to keep in mind that some melatonin supplements may not be accurately labeled. This increases the risk of taking a higher dose than intended. If you have any concerns about having taken too much melatonin, contact poison control for immediate guidance.
To help manage side effects, it is important to consider melatonin dosage. The appropriate melatonin dosage can vary depending on a person’s age and symptoms. but typical doses range from 1 to 5 milligrams for adults. It may be helpful to start with a low dose initially and slowly increase if needed. Doses lower than 1 milligram may be as effective for certain sleep problems.
The dose of melatonin may influence the potential side effects. Adverse effects may be more likely with higher doses. An additional concern when it comes to melatonin side effects and dosing is the accuracy of supplement product labels. To ensure accurate melatonin dosing and to reduce the risk of adverse effects, take measures to ensure you are purchasing reputable supplements.
Discuss your melatonin dosage and any side effects with your doctor. They can help you determine the best dosage and timing for melatonin supplements, and provide additional guidance for managing any symptoms you experience.
Finding Reputable Sleep Supplements
The safety and efficacy of supplements is not closely monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Shoppers should take additional measures to make sure they are purchasing reputable products.
Anyone who has a preexisting health condition or is taking a prescription medication should consult with their doctor before trying melatonin. Anyone experiencing an adverse reaction from melatonin should stop taking the supplement and contact their doctor.
It is always a good idea to make a doctor aware before adding a new supplement to a health regimen. A doctor or pharmacist may be able to help with the timing or dosage of melatonin and discuss its benefits and risks.
Seeking the advice of a doctor is also recommended if sleep problems persist over several weeks or months, including after taking melatonin. Melatonin can be helpful for certain sleep issues, but it is not a treatment for other sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. A doctor can review a person’s symptoms, provide an informed diagnosis and treatment plan, and offer a referral to a sleep specialist if needed.
Medical Disclaimer: The content on this page should not be taken as medical advice or used as a recommendation for any specific treatment or medication. Always consult your doctor before taking a new medication or changing your current treatment.
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