You’re probably right if you notice that melatonin pills appear to be occupying more and more space on the shelves of your local pharmacy or that there are more television commercials for melatonin-containing goods that guarantee a nice night’s sleep. The majority of Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), experience persistent sleep issues. Due to melatonin’s status as a hormone that is created by our bodies naturally, it is thought to be a secure therapeutic choice for some of these restless sleepers.
Is melatonin safe?
Adults are thought to be rather safe when using melatonin for brief periods of time. Mild side effects including headaches, tiredness, or dizziness are usually to be expected. Additionally, it’s conceivable that melatonin supplements may interfere with a number of drugs, such as diabetes and birth control pills. It is significant to remember that studies using melatonin are frequently carried out in official research settings, where the supplement’s potency and dosage are confirmed.
There is a need for concern for customers who buy melatonin in their neighbourhood pharmacy or grocery shop. Where melatonin is prescribed, the FDA classifies it as a dietary supplement rather than a prescription medication. The FDA has established specific guidelines for uniformity and quality assurance in the manufacturing of prescription pharmaceutical goods. There isn’t a set procedure to make sure the melatonin you buy is exactly what it purports to be, despite the fact that makers and distributors of melatonin are obliged to adhere to FDA requirements.
methodically examined 31 melatonin supplements that were bought from neighbourhood shops. What they discovered was alarming: melatonin content varied significantly from the listed amount, which was 83% less, to 478% higher, which was printed on the bottle. The researchers struggled to explain why so many samples contained more melatonin, even though they predicted that some samples may have lower melatonin concentration due to recognised stability and degradation problems.
Why do paediatricians occasionally advise giving children melatonin?
Because there are no kid drugs for insomnia that have been FDA-approved, melatonin is occasionally seen as an enticing choice for families with children under the age of 18. In fact, among 4- to 17-year-olds, it was the second most often utilised non-vitamin/non-mineral dietary supplement in a 2012 nationwide study. Studies have revealed that some paediatric populations, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders, may benefit from more melatonin. On the safety of long-term melatonin use in youngsters, it is highlighted that there is not enough information at this time.
When should adults use melatonin?
The Indian Society for Sleep Research (ISSR) has suggested using strategically timed melatonin in the treatment of
- problem of delayed sleep/wake phase in kids and adults (without medical or psychiatric comorbidities)
- blind adults with non-24-hour sleep/wake disorder
- irregular sleep/wake problems in children with neurologic conditions.
The ISSR has advised against using melatonin for insomnia in adults, which is possibly just as significant as the uses for which it has done so. They discovered that the research examining the effectiveness of melatonin was of poor quality and that there was inconsistent evidence to support its effectiveness in enhancing sleep.
What’s the take-home message?
A chronobiotic (a medication that alters biological rhythms) rather than a soporific agent (a medication meant to induce sleep, such as zolpidem), the usage of melatonin supplements in the context of sleep plays a crucial role (Ambien). The likelihood that someone will use melatonin much outweighs the evidence that it is useful for the sleep problem that most people use it for: insomnia. Before deciding on sleep aids or over-the-counter supplements like melatonin, it’s crucial that people who have trouble sleeping speak with their doctors and consider consulting a sleep specialist.
