Pros and Cons of Taking Melatonin for Sleep

Melatonin is a popular sleep aid supplement that has helped a plethora of people with a number of sleep problems — however, there are both pros and cons of taking melatonin that we think every sleeper should be aware of. 

The term melatonin refers to the hormone that our brains produce as a response to darkness as a way to tell our bodies that it’s time to sleep. When it’s dark, we sleep, and when it’s bright, we’re awake. This hormone is critical in the process of keeping your internal clock (circadian rhythm) regulated so that you get the amount of sleep you need each night. 

But what happens when we can’t seem to get to sleep? This is where melatonin as a sleep aid comes into play.

Can’t Get to Sleep?

You May Need a New Mattress

Why do people take Melatonin for sleep?

The National Institute of Health conducted a study that measured the Melatonin use of more than 55,000 adults aged 20 and older over two decades. They found that the use of melatonin supplements by adults in the United States more than quintupled between 1999 and 2018. With approximately 19% of U.S. adults claiming that they do not get enough rest every night, it’s no wonder it has been flying off the shelves. 

If you have trouble keeping a consistent sleep schedule or suffer from insomnia, popping a gummy or a tablet can help you get the shuteye you yearn for.

Pros: Melatonin benefits

There are certainly many melatonin benefits that make it a popular sleep aid and a short-term solution for sleep problems. Here are some of the most common melatonin benefits:

• Fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer: If your brain is having trouble producing the sleep hormone on its own, taking a melatonin supplement can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer.

• Insomnia: If you suffer from insomnia, you know just how hard it is to get good, quality sleep. Studies have shown that melatonin supplements can improve sleep quality and duration of sleep for people with insomnia, making it a popular solution to this common sleep disorder.
  
• Jet lag: The joy of traveling is often accompanied by the misery of jet lag — a temporary sleep disorder that occurs if you have traveled across multiple time zones. Your body’s internal clock becomes accustomed to your time zone since your brain produces the sleep hormone when it gets dark in your area. If you get to your destination and find that you can’t sleep, melatonin supplements can help you snooze in no time. 

Because sleep is crucial to our overall health, taking melatonin for sleep can help with managing immune function, blood pressure, and cortisol levels if taken as needed. 

Is it okay to take melatonin every night? Regardless of what sleep issues you may be dealing with, most doctors will not recommend taking melatonin on a nightly basis. This is because there are numerous melatonin side effects that can affect your sleep quality if taken long-term.

Cons: Melatonin side effects

Is there a downside to melatonin? All medications have their pros and cons, but long-term use can produce melatonin side effects that should not be taken lightly. Here is why you should refrain from taking melatonin supplements on a regular basis.

• Supplements can slow down natural melatonin production: If you take melatonin sleep aids on a daily basis, your brain can begin to rely on the medication to produce the sleep hormone and slow down its natural production. Long-term melatonin use can increase the likelihood of experiencing disruptive sleep which will lower your sleep quality — and your quality of life — over time.
  
• Drowsiness, confusion, or disorientation: While drowsiness should be an obvious side effect, that drowsy, disoriented feeling after taking melatonin can linger even when you’re awake. Some sleepers have felt nauseous, groggy, and fatigued during the day after taking the supplement for sleep when they wanted to feel well-rested. Every person reacts differently to melatonin, so it’s important to speak to a medical professional before you decide to try it.
  
• It can interfere with other medications: If you take any medications including (but not limited to) blood thinners, antidepressants, or specific prescriptions for health conditions, do not take melatonin unless your doctor gives the green light. In some cases, the safety risks outweigh the benefits.

Bad sleep can impact every aspect of your life. Sleep affects mental health, your brain functionality, your mood, your energy, and more. Instead of popping a supplement every night, try to get to the root of your sleep problems. We guarantee that the cure is not at the bottom of the melatonin bottle.

Why you may be experiencing bad sleep

If you are having trouble falling and staying asleep, there may be some underlying issues to address. You could be dealing with chronic insomnia, a disorder that melatonin supplements can’t cure, or it could be your lifestyle and/or sleep environment that is causing disruptions. If you believe you may be dealing with chronic insomnia, seek medical attention from a specialist who can help you. 

If you have a high-stress lifestyle, getting the quality sleep you need can be difficult. We would recommend first trying out our tips for unwinding before bed. These strategies can help reduce stress and calm down your body and mind to prepare you for sleep. The problem could also lie in your sleep environment. Is your room too hot or cold? Are your pillows unsupportive?

Or is it your mattress? (Hint: it could be your mattress).

Skip Melatonin For Sleep and Find The Right Mattress For You

There are both pros and cons of taking melatonin, but the fact is that melatonin supplements cannot help you achieve quality sleep in the long run. There’s nothing wrong with taking a gummy when you’re feeling jet lagged, but don’t rely on it for rest. If you’re not getting enough sleep every night and don’t have any underlying medical issues, your mattress could be the problem.

At Texas Mattress Makers, we believe that finding the right mattress for your needs can help you get the best sleep possible. Wondering, “which mattress is best for me?” That’s where we come in. Our experts can assist you in finding your perfect mattress match. But if you need something a little more special, a custom mattress can improve your sleep quality immensely by addressing all of your needs at once. 

If you’re ready to skip the supplements and finally get the best sleep possible, visit any Texas Mattress Makers showroom for a mattress shopping experience you’ll never forget. Sweet dreams may be one click or visit away. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• What to Look for in a Mattress
• Best Mattresses for Heavy People
• The Dangers of Buying a Used Mattress
• Best Mattress for Sciatica: Unpacking Myths
• Plush vs. Soft Mattress: What is the Difference?