You may have heard of it about sleepless nights and overseas travel: melatonin it is a hormone that our body produces in the epiphysis or pineal gland, For regulate day-night, sleep-wake rhythms.
In fact, the regulation of melatonin production takes place thanks to natural light, the climate, the seasons.
There are several causes (night work, long journeys to distant destinations…) Which may interfere with this regulation and make it necessary to use melatonin-based medications or supplements to solve the problem.
It is always good to refer to the your trusted doctor and do not abound in "do it yourself" because there are side effects and precautions to know: it is still a hormone that must not interfere with the delicate internal balance of our body.
Melatonin: side effects
Generally, the use of melatonin, taken orally or in the form of a cream, for a short time it is considered safe for adults.
- side effects are infrequent, but they should be known to stop taking it and report the situation to your doctor; here is the list of the main ones:
- mall in forehead
- trough transitional period limited to the recruitment period
- dizziness
- cramps at the stomach
- irritability
- drowsiness daytime, which can interfere with driving or performing activities that require attention
- increased risk of convulsions
The side effects to which the utmost attention should be paid, however, are related to interaction between melatonin and some drugs or natural remedies: in case, always seek the advice of a doctor.
Below the main interactions of melatonin:
- Contraceptives: they can increase the production of melatonin. Taking more melatonin can cause dangerous excesses;
- Antidiabetics: melatonin may decrease its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar;
- Immunosuppressants, drugs to lower blood pressure: melatonin can decrease its effectiveness;
- anticoagulants: melatonin has an anticoagulant effect and taken at the same time as these drugs could increase the risk of bleeding or bruising;
- Natural remedies that slow down clotting (for example angelica, cloves, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, red clover, willow): melatonin has an anticoagulant effect and taken at the same time as these remedies could increase the risk of bleeding or bruising;
- Natural remedies with a sedative effect (for example poppy, hops, kava, St. John's wort, scutellaria): the simultaneous intake of melatonin can increase its effectiveness and side effects.
Melatonin, zinc and magnesium against sleep disorders
Melatonin: precautions to be taken
Caution is never too much: we still remember that you don't mess with hormones: Melatonin should only be taken for short periods and only in the doses prescribed by the doctor.
In any case, pay attention to the following precautions to be taken in case of integration with melatonin:
- Don't drive for four to five hours after hiring
- Do not use machinery for four to five hours after hiring
- Do not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeedingunless otherwise instructed by your gynecologist
- Do not give melatonin to children, unless otherwise advised by the pediatrician
- Do not administer it at the same time as other supplements or medications, especially those seen above: always ask your doctor for advice if you are taking other medications or supplements or have ongoing pathologies
Melatonin for insomnia in children: when can it be given?
