Alester Brown

Can You Develop a Dependency on Melatonin?

If you have trouble falling asleep, you might turn to melatonin for assistance. Melatonin supplements are readily available at many stores, and the over-the-counter nature of melatonin makes it an accessible alternative to other sleep aids.

Because it's affordable and easy to get, many people use melatonin regularly. That begs the question: Can you become dependent on melatonin?

The Basics of Melatonin

Before we answer this question, let's dive deeper into what melatonin actually is.

While you can take it as a supplement, your body produces melatonin naturally. Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland many times throughout the day. It has calming and sedating effects, earning the reputation as the "sleep hormone."

Melatonin has other potential uses, but it's most commonly associated with sleep and regulating circadian rhythms. It's a popular choice among those who have trouble falling asleep regularly and is often used to encourage sleep for shift workers and anyone on an irregular bedtime schedule.

Is Melatonin Addictive?

Contrary to popular belief, natural doesn't always equate to healthy. Many supplements can become addictive.

Currently, melatonin isn't considered addictive. Fortunately, it doesn't cause withdrawal symptoms or cause any dependence issues. Unlike other sleep products, you can't build up a tolerance to melatonin.

For those reasons, it's not considered an addictive substance in any way.

Of course, you should still exercise caution. Always speak with a healthcare professional about any medications or supplements you take. Melatonin can significantly impact your health and well-being, so it's good to clue your doctor in about how you use it.

Potential Side Effects of Taking Melatonin

While it's not addictive, it could cause adverse effects. Typically, people encounter problems when they take too much melatonin and consume it at the wrong time.

In addition to causing extreme drowsiness, melatonin can cause irritability, nausea, mild tremors, low blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, and other unwanted adverse effects.

Using Melatonin Safely

Melatonin can be beneficial, but you must be careful about taking it. Consult with your doctor for guidance about dosage and timing to avoid potential issues.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about mental and physical health. She advises people on difficulty sleeping & online sleep programs. You can find her thoughts at healthy sleep tips blog.