Melatonin - contraindications to use

From this article you will learn who should be cautious with melatonin supplementation.

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Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.

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Melatonin - contraindications to use
17 July, 2024
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Melatonin is a neurohormone naturally secreted by our body. We sometimes make up for its deficiency with supplementation. Unfortunately, not everyone can take synthetic melatonin.

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Ahead of a long-haul flight and not sure how to adapt to the new time zone? Or perhaps a loved one is struggling with a sleep disorder? Melatonin supplementation seems like a good idea, due to its proven properties. However, before you sip the tablet, check what contraindications to use are indicated by Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D.

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Description of contents:

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  1. Melatonin - what is it?
  2. .
  3. Melatonin contraindications to use
  4. .
  5. Summary
  6. .
Sleep Well - a dietary supplement for good sleep and calmness

Sleep Well - dietary supplement for good sleep and tranquillity

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Sleep Well is a calming and relaxing dietary supplement with a standardised complex of CALMOMIX® herbal extracts and high quality magnesium.

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See also:

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Melatonin - what is it?

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Melatonin -called the sleep hormone-regulates our circadian rhythm, while exhibiting a number of other health-promoting properties. Among other things, it modulates the immune system response and is a very effective antioxidant. It is secreted mainly by a small gland in our brain - the pineal gland. Its abnormal levels can be regulated through healthy supplementationand.

Melatonin - contraindications to use 

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Although melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, not everyone can supplement it.

Contraindications to melatonin use includeand:

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  • Hypersensitivity to melatonin. The use of melatonin in cases of hypersensitivity exposes one to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. 
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  • Pregnancy and breastfeedingThere is insufficient evidence for the safety of melatonin use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some studies suggest that melatonin increases pro-inflammatory activity and thus promotes disease activity in RA, hence caution is advised.
  • Kidney diseasesIn patients on dialysis, there is a risk of increased side effects due to the inability to adequately purify melatonin.
  • Hepatic diseases. In patients with impaired liver function, caution should be exercised due to the reduced ability to metabolise melatonin.
  • Cinical alcoholic diseaseTaking melatonin with alcohol is dangerous to our health. Alcohol reduces or intensifies the effects of melatonin and can cause drowsiness, difficulty breathing, dizziness. 
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  • Simultaneous use with drugs that interact interact with melatonin. These include steroid drugs, anticoagulants, drugs used to treat diabetes, some antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Caution should be exercised when using hormonal contraception.
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Sleep Well - a dietary supplement for good sleep and calmness .

Sleep Well - dietary supplement for good sleep and tranquillity

.

Sleep Well is a calming and relaxing dietary supplement with the standardised CALMOMIX® complex of herbal extracts and high quality magnesium.

See more
.

See also:

.

Summary

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Synthetic melatonin can support us with moderate sleep problems, regulate the diurnal cycle or help us adapt to a new time zone. However, it is important to pay attention to the contraindications in order to avoid side effects.

Do you pay attention to contraindications and interactions when taking a supplement? Let me know in the comments. I, for one, have recently been studying the leaflets before I take something - you can be surprised when reading!

FAQ

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. Who can't take melatonin?.

Contraindications to the use of melatonin include: hypersensitivity to melatonin, pregnancy and breastfeeding, kidney and liver disease, active alcoholism, use of medications that interact with melatonin, e.g. steroids, anticoagulants, antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

. Does melatonin harm the heart?.

No, melatonin does not harm the heart. Research suggests that melatonin has valuable effects on cardiovascular health, blood pressure and endothelial function and may be beneficial for people with heart failure. If you are being treated for heart disease, consult your doctor before supplementation.

. Is melatonin safe?.

Yes, many studies have confirmed that melatonin is safe to use. It does not cause addiction and when taken correctly, it does not cause side effects. Remember, it is important to take it sensibly dosing and to use it regularly to feel the positive effects.

. Does melatonin cure insomnia?.

No, melatonin does not cure insomnia. Insomnia is a serious, complex disorder that requires medical care and the conscious implementation of sleep hygiene into your daily routine. Melatonin will help you with moderate sleep problems, but prolonged discomfort should be consulted with a doctor.

. Do herbs for sleep help?.

Yes, many substances of plant origin can aid sleep. The unique safety profile of herbal products and their wide tolerance by patients make a strong case for their support for moderate sleep problems.

. Does melatonin work straight away?.

No, melatonin does not work immediately. Melatonin given orally starts to take effect after about 30 min. You should consume it about 60 minutes before bedtime. Remember that you will achieve the best results through safe dosing and systematic use.

. Is melatonin a sleep medication?.

No, melatonin is not a sleep medication. Melatonin in supplements or medicines is a synthetic hormone. sleep medications are special pharmacological preparations designed to treat sleep disorders. They are prescribed by prescription and need to be taken under close medical supervision.

. Can children take melatonin?.

There are studies that suggest that melatonin supplementation is beneficial for children aged 3 to 15 years if they present with: sleep disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, shortened sleep duration, atopic dermatitis. Treatment must be carried out under close medical supervision.

. Do you get fat from melatonin?.

No, you do not get fat from melatonin supplementation. It is the quality of sleep that can affect weight gain - sleep disturbances affect hormones, including hunger and satiety hormones (ghrelin, leptin). Not getting enough sleep can lead to an increased appetite, resulting in a calorie surplus and weight gain.

. Can melatonin be overdosed?.

Melatonin overdose is difficult to define, as there is no official safe dose for everyone. Individual responses to an overdose of melatonin can vary considerably due to various factors, such as age, gender and time of administration.

. Is melatonin addictive?.

No, melatonin is not addictive. There is no scientific evidence that melatonin users develop a tolerance to the supplement. Melatonin has no addictive potential, unlike sleep medications.

. Melatonin is not helping me. What should I do?.

If you have been supplementing with melatonin regularly for 2 weeks, have implemented the principles of sleep hygiene and are taking care of a healthy diet, but are still experiencing sleep-related disorders, see your doctor. This could be a symptom of an illness and your body is signalling in this way that you need to seek specialist help.

. What should I do if I have insomnia?.

Insomnia is a serious disorder that requires comprehensive treatment. The best results come from implementing the principles of sleep hygiene, consulting a doctor and sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist. Insomnia can be effectively cured.

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. What is the lethal dose of melatonin?.

To date, no case of death after melatonin ingestion has been described in scientific studies. The lethal dose in humans is not known. It is important not to consume large amounts of melatonin, as excess can cause unpleasant side effects.

. What should melatonin not be combined with?.

Melatonin must not be combined with: alcohol, oestrogens (e.g. in oral hormonal contraception), glucocorticosteroids, benzodiazepines, and sedative drugs, antidepressants, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs.

. After what time does melatonin start to take effect?.

Melatonin in tablets begins to take effect approximately 30 minutes after ingestion, and melatonin in drop, spray or leaf form approximately 15 minutes after ingestion. The best sleep-supporting effects are observed gradually, usually after 2 weeks of regular consumption.

. Does melatonin help with sleep?.

Yes, according to scientific studies melatonin helps sleep. Its action helps you fall asleep, improves the quality and length of sleep and reduces the number of awakenings during the night. The use of melatonin can be an effective support for the treatment of moderate sleep problems.

. What is the best melatonin?.

The best melatonin is Sleep Well a dietary supplement with melatonin 1 mg and the standardised herbal extract complex CALMOMIX. The composition comprehensively cares for calming the body and prepares the body and mind for sleep. Sleep Well from Natu.Care has very good reviews among users.

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Sources

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. See all.

Grivas, T. B., & Savvidou, O. D. (2007). Melatonin the "light of night" in human biology and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis, 2(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-7161-2-6

Fatemeh, G., Sajjad, M., Niloufar, R., Neda, S., Leila, S., & Khadijeh, M. (2022). Effect of melatonin supplementation on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Neurology, 269(1), 205-216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-10381-w

Melatonin Dosage by Age and Weight. (2021, May 28). Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/melatonin-dosage-how-much-should-you-take

Melatonin: What You Need To Know. (n.d.). NCCIH. Retrieved 17 March 2023, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know

Savage, R. A., Zafar, N., Yohannan, S., & Miller, J.-M. M. (2022). Melatonin. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534823/

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Vural, E. M. S., van Munster, B. C., & de Rooij, S. E. (2014). Optimal Dosages for Melatonin Supplementation Therapy in Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Current Literature. Drugs & Aging, 31(6), 441-451. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40266-014-0178-0

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Nina Wawryszuk - Tekst

Natu.Care Editor

Nina Wawryszuk

Nina Wawryszuk specialises in sports supplementation, strength training and psychosomatics. On a daily basis, in addition to writing articles for Natu.Care, as a personal trainer she helps athletes improve their performance through training, diet and supplementation.

Witold Tomaszewski - Recenzja

Doctor of Medicine

Witold Tomaszewski
Verified by an expert

Doctor of Medicine, food and pharmaceutical law expert and experienced medical professional.

Michael Tomaszewski - Redakcja

Editor

Michael Tomaszewski

Graduate of Journalism and Artes Liberales at the University of Warsaw. Since 2017, he has been working with the biggest portals in Poland and abroad as an editor. Previously worked for 3 years in one of the leading pharmaceutical companies - he knows the health and beauty industry inside out. In his free time, he most enjoys playing tennis or skiing.

Agata Jach - Fact-checking

Fact-checker

Agata Jach

Agata Jach is in charge of verifying quoted sources and checking that published content is truthful.

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