If you have trouble sleeping or suddenly find it hard to sleep, you might take melatonin to help you sleep. Dr Rashi Agrawal from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi Mumbai explained that melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland. Its main job is to control your sleep and wake cycles. Although melatonin can help you sleep, it should be used carefully because taking too much may lead to negative side effects.
What happens if you take too much melatonin?
Taking too much melatonin can have many harmful effects on your body. You may feel overly sleepy during the day, which can lead to laziness because you’re not getting enough mental stimulation. You might also experience headaches and feel light-headed. Also, high doses of melatonin can cause changes in behaviour, such as increased anxiety or agitation. Ironically, taking too much melatonin can disrupt your sleep pattern, making it harder to sleep well. You may also have stomach problems like abdominal pain or nausea.
How much melatonin should you take?
If you have trouble sleeping or suffer from sudden bouts of insomnia, you might take melatonin to help you sleep. Dr Rashi Agrawal from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi Mumbai explained that melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland. Its main job is to control your sleep and wake cycles. Although melatonin can help you sleep, it should be used carefully because taking too much may lead to negative side effects.
Benefits of melatonin
When you take the right amount of melatonin, you can enjoy better sleep. Dr Agrawal said that controlled doses help improve sleep patterns, especially for long-distance travelers or those with insomnia. Melatonin works as an antioxidant, protecting your cells from damage by free radicals and boosting your immune system. It may also reduce the risk of chronic migraines and help with mental health by lowering stress and improving mood, she added.
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