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Can Melatonin Be Taken For Insomnia?
I am 63 years old, and have had trouble going to sleep and staying asleep. I have been taking 10 mg of melatonin a night for about a year. It helps me to fall asleep, and stay asleep for the entire night. I have heard so many things both positive and negative about using it, and I m confused. Is it okay for me to be taking this. Thank you.
Mon, 9 Jan 2017
Hello,
I understand your concern. Melatonin is an over the counter medication to promote sleep, which means it is deemed relatively safe for use as needed. It works and it is very effective. However, long term use has been shown to alter the brain's natural capacity for sleep and furthermore, even disrupt sleep when it happens.
By using melatonin regularly, over time, the brain "forgets" how to do it on its own and hence you become dependent on it. Besides, there are other side effects related to mealtonin frequent use, such as headache, depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness and irritability. In conclusion, melatonin is an effective sleep aide, which is best used occasionally, but not regularly.
There are many ways to regulate and improve your sleep patterns such as avoiding caffeine intake, reducing screen time prior to bed time, taking walks or performing light exercise, avoiding heavy meals before going to bed, drinking relaxing teas, and even doing yoga. Also, if available, I recommend you visit a sleep clinic to further evaluate and treat your sleep patterns. Wishing you all the best.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ornela Ademovi
I understand your concern. Melatonin is an over the counter medication to promote sleep, which means it is deemed relatively safe for use as needed. It works and it is very effective. However, long term use has been shown to alter the brain's natural capacity for sleep and furthermore, even disrupt sleep when it happens.
By using melatonin regularly, over time, the brain "forgets" how to do it on its own and hence you become dependent on it. Besides, there are other side effects related to mealtonin frequent use, such as headache, depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness and irritability. In conclusion, melatonin is an effective sleep aide, which is best used occasionally, but not regularly.
There are many ways to regulate and improve your sleep patterns such as avoiding caffeine intake, reducing screen time prior to bed time, taking walks or performing light exercise, avoiding heavy meals before going to bed, drinking relaxing teas, and even doing yoga. Also, if available, I recommend you visit a sleep clinic to further evaluate and treat your sleep patterns. Wishing you all the best.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ornela Ademovi
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