Melatonin is a natural hormone produced within the body that regulates sleep. When it is unbalanced, people suffer from sleep deprivation and associated mental issues. That is why different supplements containing this hormone are available in the market. They effectively regulate the sleep-wake cycle, aiding in treating sleep disorders like insomnia.
However, people are concerned about their safety or possible side effects. Is melatonin safe for mental and physical health? Can you get addicted to melatonin like sleep pills? You need to address these fundamental questions before moving towards such supplements. In this article, learn about all the pros and cons to rationalize their usage.
Benefits of Having Melatonin Supplements
The following are the perks that are behind the widespread use of this sleep hormone:
- Natural Treatment
It is a natural treatment option for sleep deprivation. When the body cannot produce it naturally, an external source serves the same purpose, resulting in lower sleep issues. Unlike sleep pills, which have psychoactive effects, it is harmless.
- Non-addictive
Melatonin does not cause addiction like other sleep pills and is perfectly safe for short-term use. Even if your doctor prescribes it for the long term, you can easily quit it when needed without facing withdrawal symptoms.
- Stimulating Growth
Different studies support the role of melatonin in muscle growth, as it stimulates the production of human growth hormone. This hormone is vital in all phases of life, from childhood to adulthood. Moreover, it is essential for the optimal functioning of our immune system, thus strengthening us against infections.
Possible Side Effects of Melatonin
The following are possible risk factors associated with melatonin consumption:
- Low Productivity
Does melatonin make you groggy? This is the common issue people face with these supplements: You cannot drive or perform mental activities after taking melatonin, as it causes dizziness and drowsiness. This means you cannot perform day-to-day activities efficiently with such supplements.
- Digestion Issues
Along with mental sluggishness, people who use these supplements experience digestion issues. They may initially experience stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation, and their bodies take time to adapt to them.
- Mental Stress
Taking melatonin may result in mental issues like anxiety, mood swings, and depression. However, such side effects are quite rare and occur for a short duration.
- Contradictory to Other Medications
People taking medical tests for blood thinning or controlling blood pressure should avoid melatonin as it can reduce their efficacy. Likewise, contraception pills may become ineffective with the regular use of these supplements. So, you need to be careful if you are on certain medications.
Effective Sleep Aid: Alternative to Melatonin
Based on the above pros and cons, people ask about alternatives to minimize sleep problems. The good news is you can get sleep gummies that aids in quality sleep with nutrients like Ashwagandha, magnesium, L-theanine and more. These ingredients relax the brain and signals about sleep time. This way, you face fewer sleep awakenings at night and can meet sufficient sleep hours.
Moreover, they are also effective for restlessness, enabling you to spend a peaceful night. With quality sleep, you see significant improvement in mental cognition, resulting in higher productivity. However, just like any other dietary supplement, consult your medical health provider about safety before their usage.
Bottom Line
Melatonin is no doubt highly effective for sleep hygiene. Anticipating melatonin’s effects on the body is essential to deciding its risk-free intake. However, its overreliance or long-term usage results in serious health issues. Use them only when prescribed by the medical health provider, and look for other strategies like meditation, aromatherapy, melatonin-free sleep aids, etc., for the desired results.