Struggling to catch some good night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Today many of us battle with sleeplessness, leading to a journey for solutions that promise a restful night’s slumber. Enter melatonin, a hormone and dietary supplement that’s gained popularity for its sleep-inducing properties. But as with any remedy, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Here is all you need to know about the world of melatonin and some side effects everyone should know.
How does melatonin affect and help?
Melatonin, often known as the “sleep hormone,” plays a crucial role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Produced naturally by the pineal gland in response to darkness, melatonin levels rise in the evening, signalling to our bodies that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This natural process can be disrupted by various factors, such as jet lag, shift work, or simply the hustle of modern life. That’s where melatonin supplements come in, offering a synthetic version of this hormone to help reset our internal clocks and promote better sleep. Here are some side effect associated with consuming melatonin:
Headache
Ever popped a melatonin pill and found yourself nursing a headache instead of drifting off to dreamland? You’re not alone. Headaches are among the most common side effects reported by melatonin users. While the exact mechanism behind this isn’t fully understood, it’s thought to be linked to how melatonin affects blood vessels in the brain. If you find yourself experiencing melatonin-induced headaches, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider to explore alternative solutions.
Dizziness
You’re ready to hit the bed after taking your nightly dose of melatonin when suddenly, you’re hit with a wave of dizziness. This unsettling sensation can leave you feeling off-balance and disoriented, hardly conducive to a good night’s sleep. While not everyone experiences dizziness when taking melatonin, it’s a potential side effect to be aware of, particularly if you’re prone to feeling lightheaded or dizzy in general.
Nausea
The last thing you want when trying to catch some shut-eye is a queasy stomach. Unfortunately, nausea is another side effect that some people may experience when taking melatonin. Like headaches and dizziness, the exact cause of melatonin-induced nausea isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be linked to how melatonin interacts with the digestive system. If you find yourself feeling nauseous after taking melatonin, it’s best to take it with a small snack or meal to help alleviate this discomfort.
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Daytime drowsiness
The irony of taking a sleep aid and waking up feeling groggier than before isn’t lost on anyone. Yet, for some, daytime drowsiness is a side effect of melatonin supplementation. While melatonin is typically cleared from the body relatively quickly, lingering effects can sometimes spill over into the following day, leaving you feeling less than refreshed. If daytime drowsiness becomes a persistent issue, it’s worth reassessing your melatonin dosage or exploring other sleep-promoting strategies.