Melatonin is known as a popular sleep aid for those people who are facing sleep troubles but do not want to take medication. It is a natural hormone found in our bodies and is normally produced by our pineal gland, which is in our brain. The chief function of the melatonin hormone is to regulate our normal sleep and wake cycle. Taking melatonin from external sources means you are dealing with a very fundamental part of your brain. This is why you have to be careful during melatonin use.
Let’s see what normally happens when you use too much melatonin:
High-Dose Melatonin Common Side Effects
The common side effects of using high-dose melatonin include:
- Headache
- Somnolence
- Nighttime waking after sleep
- Daytime Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
Sleep-Related Symptoms
Overuse and incorrect use of the melatonin supplements bring some sleep-related symptoms that include sleepwalking, vivid dreams, and nightmares. This can occur when you get melatonin supplements to fall asleep quickly and after entering in your darkened bedroom, your brain naturally starts to release melatonin chemicals into your bloodstream. In this case, first, you have ingested the melatonin supplement in your body and then, you also have got the added melatonin chemicals. This double melatonin supply can make a disruption in the sleep cycle or wake cycle. It can actually wake you up in the middle of the night. Often then people take more melatonin then, making matters much worse.
Effects on Heart
The heart rate of an average healthy person is between 60 and 100 beats in per minute. If the heart rates go beyond this range, then this is recognized as abnormal. In medical science, there is a word, which is named “Tachycardia.” If one’s heart rate is faster than 100 beats per minute even when at rest, then this condition is considered as Tachycardia. When someone consumes too much melatonin, then he or she can develop tachycardia. Tachycardia will help to raise the blood pressure plus put further pressure on your heart resulting in a condition like stroke. In this case, you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Increase Seizures
Some studies have revealed that the pineal hormone, melatonin, can be used for the treatment of epilepsy. However, others have reported a noticeable increase in the total number of seizures as a result of using too much melatonin supplements, particularly in children having neurologic disorders.
Mood Changes
Researchers have reported that using high amounts of melatonin can change your mood. Also, some psychotic symptoms can appear such as paranoia and hallucinations. Individuals with significant psychotic disorders or depression must consult with their physician or health care expert for these underlying disorders before using melatonin.
Effect on Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar
There is a chance of side effects to your blood sugar and blood pressure at the time of using too much melatonin. As a result of taking high doses of melatonin supplements, you may experience a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in cholesterol. Also, daily use of the melatonin supplement has also been connected to arrhythmias in some people. Even getting approval for using melatonin supplements from a physician, your blood sugar levels should always be monitored closely due to the risk of diabetes.
May Affect Sexual Development in Children
Melatonin plays a significant role in the way an individual’s body matures sexually. Melatonin levels put an impact on the function of the ovaries and testes.
According to the report of National Institutes of Health, using too much melatonin can interfere with the sexual development in the children.
Chance of Autoimmune Disorders
Melatonin has been associated with the chance of contracting autoimmune disorders including autoimmune hepatitis and Crohn’s disease. People have reported side effects such as stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting after taking too much melatonin.
