Can You Overdose on Melatonin?

Can You Overdose on Melatonin?

Intro:

Melatonin is an over-the-counter sleep aid that comes in the form of pills, lozenges, and gummies. It’s used to treat insomnia and even jet lag by promoting normal sleep patterns. Melatonin supplements are also commonly used as safe natural sleeping aids by people without sleep disorders. But when melatonin overdose occurs, it can cause serious health problems and even lead to death. If you use melatonin regularly, learn how to prevent melatonin overdose so you don’t suffer harmful side effects or life-threatening complications from taking too much of this supplement.

What Is Melatonin?

One of nature’s finest sleep aids, melatonin is a hormone secreted by your pineal gland that helps regulate your circadian rhythm. The role of melatonin in aiding sleep is well known, but what if you have trouble falling asleep and want to use melatonin? Is it safe? How much can you take before it becomes dangerous? What Are Melatonin Pills?: While melatonin is naturally produced in your body, there are also pills available over-the-counter (OTC) that contain synthetic forms of melatonin.

How Does it Work?

The active ingredient in melatonin is N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, a hormone produced by glands in your brain. It’s also called a neurotransmitter, because it passes signals between cells. Melatonin can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Not only does it induce sleepiness, but it also lengthens and deepens sleep—so you can wake up refreshed and well rested

Dosage Guide: Can You Take Too Much?

When it comes to taking melatonin, a lot of people are confused about dosages. Since melatonin is a supplement and not a medication, there are no hard and fast rules for how much you should take. However, there are some things you can do to avoid taking too much and putting yourself at risk for health problems. If you’re looking for dosage guidelines, be sure to check with your doctor; remember that dosage recommendations can vary from person to person due to differences in body size, genetics and more. The good news is that most of us aren’t taking anywhere near enough melatonin to make it dangerous! Some signs you are taking too much could be, daytime grogginess, headaches, cramps and just being plain old irritable. We recommend taking the amount recommended on the bottle to see how your body reacts first. Personally, I feel like it makes my heart beat slowly and it makes me anxious because of that but my wife loves it.

When to Take Melatonin

Take melatonin only before you plan to sleep. For example, if you have a 9:00pm bedtime, take the melatonin around 8:00pm. Be aware that it takes about 30 minutes for the melatonin to kick in and for its effects to be felt; if you try to go right to sleep with the aid of a supplement, it might not work very well.

Side Effects of Taking Too Much

Taking melatonin supplements at a higher dose than what is suggested on product labels can be dangerous. People who take too much melatonin can suffer side effects like drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability. When taking melatonin, it’s important to keep doses as low as possible to avoid these side effects. Side effects of taking too much melatonin include headaches, dizziness, depression, or weight gain. It’s also wise to consult your doctor before taking any sleep supplement. Even natural products like melatonin have potent chemical components that may cause adverse reactions when taken at too high of a dose. If you suspect you are taking too much melatonin or an improper dose for your body’s needs, see a healthcare professional immediately. Most people will not have serious or deadly reactions, but it is wise to follow the recommended dosages until you know how it affects your own body.

Is melatonin save for kids?

Theoretically, melatonin is safe for kids if given in low doses and for short periods of time, says Dr. Homsy. Always speak with your doctor before administering any medication or supplement to your child—especially a new one—to ensure it’s safe and appropriate.

Is melatonin habit forming?

No, it is not habit forming. It is generally safe when taken for short periods of time in small doses. Some side effects that may be experienced are: drowsiness, dizziness, headaches and nausea. While these side effects may be unpleasant and difficult to deal with during sleep, they will not last long once you stop taking melatonin.

My final thought’s on Melatonin

Melatonin can be a great aid in helping you sleep better. We recommend following the bottles dosage directions and testing it for a short time to see how if it is a good fit for you. We do not recommend using it every night either. Eating healthy and exercising can also be a great natural way to get better sleep at night.

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