Learn — Melatonin Safety Guide

Ever taken melatonin? You probably felt that you were guaranteed a full eight hours of deep and unbroken sleep. This is a standard assumption—you're inviting disappointment! However, the truth is that melatonin is not a sleeping pill to knock you out all night. Its primary function is to act as a signaler of a message: it's time for everyone's brain to slow down and go to sleep. But will you really fall asleep after using it? Melatonin and Sleep Melatonin simply helps you to FALL asleep, more so than anything else (1).  It works with the body's natural clock, or...

That’s because, well, just before you switch off the lights for the night — a time when many of us have also timed some quality melatonin-induced sleep with those pills.  So be honest: Is it safe to take melatonin every night?  It’s easy for many of us to turn to a melatonin supplement as an immediate remedy for sleep problems — one that is available over the counter and feels innocuous.  It is a copy of a natural hormone, isn’t it?  But reality is more nuanced.  Although nightly use of melatonin may help in the short term, experts warn that taking it long term...

Abstract Summary Objective To summarize clinical findings on individuals who should avoid or use caution when taking melatonin, based on physiological, pharmacological, and safety considerations. Context Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. Although generally safe for short-term use, evidence suggests potential risks for specific groups, including children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic illnesses or medication sensitivities. Methods Used Approach A focused literature review was conducted using data from PubMed, NIH, Mayo Clinic, and NHS health databases. Emphasis was placed on safety data, pharmacological interactions, and hormonal outcomes. Data Collection Clinical and observational studies were reviewed for...