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Martin, MD, MPH](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/laura-martin/) ON THIS PAGE - [Common Side Effects](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#common-side-effects) - [Who Can Take Melatonin?](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#who-can-take-melatonin) - [Melatonin and Children](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#melatonin-and-children) - [Who Should Not Take Melatonin?](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#who-should-not-take-melatonin) [ON THIS PAGE]() ON THIS PAGE - [Common Side Effects](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#common-side-effects) - [Who Can Take Melatonin?](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#who-can-take-melatonin) - [Melatonin and Children](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#melatonin-and-children) - [Who Should Not Take Melatonin?](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/side-effects-safety/#who-should-not-take-melatonin) Can’t sleep and looking for a nonhabit-forming sleep aid? It’s not unusual to deal with insomnia from time to time. You may have difficulty falling asleep. Or if you’re able to fall asleep quickly, you may wake up after two or three hours. This can cause daytime sleepiness, irritability, and decreased productivity. One night of bad sleep might not wreak too much havoc on your body. But when the problem goes on for days, weeks, or months, supplementing with [melatonin](https://www.everydayhealth.com/melatonin/guide/) can get your sleep back on track. Melatonin is a hormone that your body makes naturally. Your melatonin level increases a couple of hours before bedtime, which signals your body to prepare for rest. ([1](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071)) It’s important to note, however, that melatonin isn’t a sleep initiator but rather a sleep regulator, explains [Carolyn Dean, MD](https://drcarolyndean.com/about/), a sleep expert and author of *365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Tips, Exercise, Advice.* Some people, however, don’t produce enough melatonin. And as a result, sleep doesn’t come easily. But while melatonin is a natural hormone that can help reset your circadian clock, oral melatonin isn’t right for everyone. ([2](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy-sleep/sleep-science/melatonin-for-sleep-does-it-work)) ## What Are Melatonin Side Effects? Melatonin needs vary from person to person. On average, most people need less than 3 milligrams (mg) per night to sleep better. Yet some people take more. ([3](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/melatonin-side-effects/faq-20057874)) Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use of one to two months in most healthy adults. But some people are more sensitive to the oral hormone and experience side effects. Adverse effects tend to occur with long-term use or when a person takes too much. (2,[4](https://familydoctor.org/melatonin/)) Possible side effects of oral melatonin include: (1,3,[5](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin)) - **Headache** A mild to moderate headache can indicate that you’ve taken too much or that your body is sensitive to oral melatonin. - **Stomach Problems** Melatonin also causes stomach discomfort in some people. This may include cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. - **Dizziness** Some people who take melatonin also report mild dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo. - **Irritability** Too much melatonin can also affect mood. You may feel cranky, anxious, or have periods of depression. - **Drowsiness** Even though melatonin doesn’t usually cause a “hangover effect,” some people do experience daytime drowsiness. This can reduce alertness and make it difficult to drive or operate machinery. If you take melatonin, wait at least five hours before operating machinery. Keep in mind that some medication may intensify drowsiness, such as depressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. (1) - **Low Blood Pressure** Sometimes, melatonin causes abnormally [low blood pressure](https://www.everydayhealth.com/hypertension/when-is-low-blood-pressure-too-low/). Melatonin side effects are usually mild. ([6](https://www.poison.org/articles/2015-sep/melatonin)) However, untreated low blood pressure can lead to life-threatening complications. Low blood pressure means that your body can’t carry enough oxygen to your organs. This can affect heart and brain function. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, fainting, blurry vision, confusion, and fatigue. ([7](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355470)) If you experience mild side effects of oral melatonin, reduce your dosage to see if symptoms improve. Talk with your doctor about your dosage if your symptoms persist or worsen. Everyone’s body is different. So while one person may be able to tolerate 3 mg of melatonin a night, another person may be able to tolerate only 1 mg. ## Who Can Take Melatonin? When used properly, oral melatonin is safe for most adults. Since the supplement helps regulate sleep, it can be taken for different circadian rhythm conditions. For example: ([8](https://nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin),[9](https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems.htm/)) - **Jet Lag** Traveling through different time zones can cause temporary sleep problems in which your body's internal clock gets out of sync. This can reduce sleepiness or affect the quality of sleep. - **Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder** With this disorder, your nightly sleep might be delayed by several hours compared with the average person’s. So instead of your body preparing to fall asleep between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., your body may not naturally feel sleepy until 2 a.m. or later. As a result, you may get only a few hours of sleep each night. - **Shift Work Disorder** If you work overnight and sleep during the day, you may have difficulty falling asleep. Melatonin can help enhance the quality of daytime sleep. - **Insomnia** This is an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep during the night. There are different underlying causes for insomnia, such as depression, anxiety, and pain. Melatonin helps induce sleep for occasional insomnia. - **Sleep Disorders in the Blind** Because totally blind people can’t perceive light, they may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Melatonin can help restore sleep patterns in the blind, improving their sleep quality. ## Melatonin for Children Adults aren’t the only ones with acute or chronic sleep problems. Melatonin is also safe for children who have difficulty sleeping due to insomnia, [circadian rhythm disorders](https://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep-disorders/circadian-rhythm-disorders/guide/), attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), autism, and other neurological disorders. Dosing for children varies. Some children may need only 1 to 3 mg a night, whereas a child with ADHD or autism may need 3 to 6 mg per night. But because oral melatonin is a supplement and is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, experts caution that parents should consult with a doctor before allowing children and adolescents to try melatonin. ([10](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4830653/),[11](https://aasm.org/advocacy/position-statements/melatonin-use-in-children-and-adolescents-health-advisory/)) Your doctor can help you understand whether melatonin is right for your child and [review the risk of side effects](https://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/most-melatonin-gummies-arent-labeled-accurately/). “Side effects reported for children include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, changes in mood, sleepiness the next day, and bed-wetting,” notes Dr. Dean. ## Who Shouldn’t Take Melatonin? Some herbal and dietary supplements can interact negatively with prescription medication, and melatonin is no exception. Before you take this supplement to improve the quality of your sleep, speak with your doctor. Melatonin doesn’t interact with every prescription drug, but it can make some medicines less effective, like blood pressure and seizure medication. It can also boost blood sugar and is therefore not recommended for people with diabetes, warns Dean. The supplement can also interact with blood-thinning medication, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids. There’s also the risk of increased drowsiness when taken with birth control pills, depressants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. (1) If you have chronic pain due to an inflammatory disease, melatonin might seem like a safe solution for better sleep. But this supplement isn’t recommended for people who have an autoimmune disease like lupus or arthritis. ([12](https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-info/lifestyle-additional-information/avoid/)) Melatonin can stimulate the immune system, triggering an inflammatory response and worsening these diseases. There is no definitive research on the safety of using melatonin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so experts recommend talking to your doctor if that’s something you want to consider. ([13](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/pregnancy)) Melatonin is preferred by some because it’s nonhabit-forming and a natural sleep aid. But the supplement isn’t right for everyone, and side effects can occur if not taken properly. If you experience side effects, reduce the amount you take. If symptoms continue, stop taking oral melatonin. Also, don’t forget to consult your doctor before combining melatonin with a prescription medication. For the most part, melatonin should be used only as a short-term remedy. See your doctor or a sleep specialist if sleep problems worsen or don’t improve after a few months. ## Trusted Resources [The Sleep Doctor](https://thesleepdoctor.com/blog/)[The Sleep Lady](https://sleeplady.com/blog/)[Sleep Research Society](https://academic.oup.com/sleep)[Project Sleep](https://project-sleep.com/)[AWAKE Sleep Apnea](https://www.awakesleepapnea.org/)[National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health](https://nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin) [American Sleep Association](https://www.sleepassociation.org/)[National Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/)[American Academy of Sleep Medicine](https://sleepeducation.org/)[Circadian Sleep Disorders Network](https://www.circadiansleepdisorders.org/)[National Center on Sleep Disorders Research](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/divisions/division-lung-diseases/national-center-sleep-disorders-research) Meet Our Experts [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/)   #### Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH ##### Medical Reviewer [Castle Connolly Top Doctor](https://www.everydayhealth.com/mra/castle-connolly-top-doctors/) Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, is a board-certified internal medicine and palliative care physician practicing at [City of Hope](https://www.cancercenter.com/physician-directory/laura-martin) in Atlanta. She received a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's of public health in nutrition from Tulane University. She received her medical degree from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed her residency in internal medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Martin previously worked as a medical editor for WebMD and received a Sigma Delta Chi award for online reporting in 2010 and 2011. She is a co-editor of the *Ambulatory Medicine Case Book*.She is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and American Society of Clinical Oncology. She is married with two adult daughters, a dog, and two cats. She enjoys hiking and playing classical and jazz piano. [See full bio](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/laura-martin/)   #### Valencia Higuera ##### Author Valencia Higuera is a writer and digital creator from Chesapeake, Virginia. As a personal finance and health junkie, she enjoys all things related to budgeting, saving money, fitness, and healthy living. In addition to Everyday Health, Higuera has written for various publications, including Healthline, GOBankingRates, MyBankTracker, and The Mortgage Reports. [See full bio](https://www.everydayhealth.com/authors/valencia-higuera/) [See Our Editorial Policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/) [Meet Our Health Expert Network](https://www.everydayhealth.com/health-expert-network/) EDITORIAL SOURCES Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our [editorial policy](https://www.everydayhealth.com/editorial-policies/). We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. Sources Additional Sources 1. Melatonin. [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071). March 3, 2021. 2. Melatonin for Sleep: Does It Work? [Johns Hopkins Medicine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy-sleep/sleep-science/melatonin-for-sleep-does-it-work). 3. Is Melatonin a Helpful Sleep Aid — and What Should I Know About Melatonin Side Effects? [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/melatonin-side-effects/faq-20057874). October 28, 2022. 4. What Is Melatonin? [FamilyDoctor.org](https://familydoctor.org/melatonin/). June 22, 2020. 5. Melatonin. [The Sleep Doctor](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin). November 10, 2022. 6. Potential Uses and Benefits of Melatonin. [National Capital Poison Center](https://www.poison.org/articles/2015-sep/melatonin). 7. Low Blood Pressure: Diagnosis and Treatment. [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355470). May 14, 2022. 8. Melatonin: What You Need to Know. [National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health](https://nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin). July 2022. 9. Sleep Disorders and Problems. [HelpGuide.org](https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/sleep-disorders-and-problems.htm/). December 5, 2022. 10. Janjua I, Goldman RD. Sleep-Related Melatonin Use in Healthy Children. [*Canadian Family Physician*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4830653/). April 2016. 11. Health Advisory: Melatonin Use in Children and Adolescents. [American Academy of Sleep Medicine](https://aasm.org/advocacy/position-statements/melatonin-use-in-children-and-adolescents-health-advisory/). September 9, 2022. 12. 5 Things to Avoid if You Have Lupus. [Johns Hopkins Medicine](https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-info/lifestyle-additional-information/avoid/). 13. Can You Take Melatonin While Pregnant? [Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/pregnancy). August 31, 2022.   Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter\! 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Some herbal and dietary supplements can interact negatively with prescription medication, and melatonin is no exception. Before you take this supplement to improve the quality of your sleep, speak with your doctor. Melatonin doesn’t interact with every prescription drug, but it can make some medicines less effective, like blood pressure and seizure medication. It can also boost blood sugar and is therefore not recommended for people with diabetes, warns Dean. The supplement can also interact with blood-thinning medication, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids. There’s also the risk of increased drowsiness when taken with birth control pills, depressants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. (1) If you have chronic pain due to an inflammatory disease, melatonin might seem like a safe solution for better sleep. But this supplement isn’t recommended for people who have an autoimmune disease like lupus or arthritis. ([12](https://www.hopkinslupus.org/lupus-info/lifestyle-additional-information/avoid/)) Melatonin can stimulate the immune system, triggering an inflammatory response and worsening these diseases. There is no definitive research on the safety of using melatonin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so experts recommend talking to your doctor if that’s something you want to consider. ([13](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/melatonin/pregnancy)) Melatonin is preferred by some because it’s nonhabit-forming and a natural sleep aid. But the supplement isn’t right for everyone, and side effects can occur if not taken properly. If you experience side effects, reduce the amount you take. If symptoms continue, stop taking oral melatonin. Also, don’t forget to consult your doctor before combining melatonin with a prescription medication. For the most part, melatonin should be used only as a short-term remedy. See your doctor or a sleep specialist if sleep problems worsen or don’t improve after a few months.