ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19611716/melatonin-side-effects/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-09 22:33:54 (3 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2018-03-28 17:41:28 (8 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | The Melatonin Side Effects You Should Know About |
| Meta Description | Melatonin is a popular sleep aid used by more than 1million people in the U.S. But it does some with side effects. Here are the melatonin side effects you should know about. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | If you’re like the 88 percent of women regularly not sleeping through the night (according to a recent
Women's Health
survey), you’ve probably found yourself looking for alternatives to counting sheep.
Last year, the
National Institutes of Health
reported that 3.1 million Americans used melatonin supplements to fall asleep. “Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by your brain that helps regulate your circadian rhythm, or when your body wants to wake up and go to sleep,” says
Jocelyn Cheng
, M.D., a neurologist at NYU Langone Health.
Studies
have actually shown that melatonin can help people with sleep disorders fall asleep anywhere between 27 and 50 minutes faster.
But before you go buy out your local vitamin shop's stock, remember: “A supplement is not a regulated drug, so there’s always a question as to whether you’re getting what it claims to be,” warns
Rachel Salas
, M.D., a neurologist with a focus on sleep disorders and sleep medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
One
study
actually found that 71 percent of melatonin supplements did not meet the claims on the label, with some listing up to five times the amount of the hormone than it actually contained. Look for supplements displaying seals from the
United States Pharmacopeial Convention
or
NSF International
so you know the manufacturers are legit.
Of course, like any drug or supplement, melatonin can come with some side effects.
While many of the potential side effects listed on the internet—like short-lasting feelings of
depression
, dizziness, low blood pressure, or mild irritability or anxiety—are exceedingly rare, doctors say these four melatonin side effects occur with slightly more regularity:
Drowsiness
The biggest side effect that comes with melatonin is actually grogginess. “It’s like a hangover,” says Salas. That feeling of grogginess or not wanting to to get up is something that’s often associated with sleep aids. “That’s just really the nature of the game of promoting sleepiness,” she says. “In some individuals, the sleep effect can hang around in the body a little bit longer—their body may not process the supplement as quickly, and so they’re still experiencing the effects when they wake up,” says Salas.
Insomnia
“The most common thing I hear from patients is that melatonin doesn’t work,” says Salas. Patients often expect the drug to work more like a
sleeping pill
than a sleep aid—and as a result, don't take it properly.
Your body naturally produces a surge in melatonin around 7 p.m., says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., president of
Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine
and author of
The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How to Fix It
. “That’s why it’s really meant to be taken at sundown, to help boost your body’s natural production and send your brain the message that bedtime is coming,” he explains. “If not taken properly, it can actually make it harder to sleep.” So if you want until 11 p.m. to take it, it may already be too late for it to do its job.
Headache
Most medications include
headaches
as a common side effect. “When people take a new drug or supplement, prescribed or not, their bodies may react differently and headaches are a typical response to that,” says Salas.
Not to mention, “melatonin is tied to your circadian rhythm, and anything that relates to the timing of your body can be affected when you take it,” says Winter. Timing matters here because if your body isn’t on the right sleep schedule (i.e. you’re taking the melatonin late and still waking up early), you could end up waking up during deeper REM sleep, which would leave you feeling headachy.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea, constipation, and an upset stomach are all common reactions to medication, and could come with taking melatonin. “The ingredients in a drug or supplement can change—even what’s holding the tablet or the capsule together—and that could cause irritation in your GI system,” says Salas. She often warns her patients to avoid buying melatonin in bulk until their know how their body is going to react. “You might have GI effects with one brand versus another, so it’s worth waiting to see what happens before committing to a specific supplement.”
Ashley Mateo is a writer, editor, and UESCA- and RRCA-certified running coach who has contributed to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Women's Health, Health, Shape, Self, and more. She’ll go anywhere in the world once—even if it’s just for a good story. Also into: good pizza, good beer, and good photos. |
| Markdown | [Search](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/search/)
***
- [About Women's Health](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/about/a24170223/about-womens-health/)
- [Newsletter](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/email/womenshealthmag-newsletter)
- [Subscribe](https://membership.womenshealthmag.com/womens-health-premium-membership-5499.html?cds_tracking_code=whlpanelnav)
- [My Bookmarks](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/my-stuff)
- [Women's Health+](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/exclusives/)
- [Health Conditions Hub](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health-conditions-hub/)
- [Shop](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a65427293/shop-womens-health-training-guides/)
- [Fitness](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/)
- [Beauty](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/)
- [Food](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/)
- [Sports and Athletes](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sports-athletes/)
- [Style](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/)
- [Weight Loss](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/)
- [Sex and Love](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/)
- [Relationships](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/)
- [Life](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/)
- [Awards](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/awards/)
- [Follow](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19611716/melatonin-side-effects/#follow)
- [Workout Routines Finder](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a60396735/workout-finder/)
- [Health](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/)
- [Other Editions](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/)
[Privacy Notice](https://www.hearst.com/-/us-magazines-privacy-notice)[Terms Of Use](https://www.hearst.com/-/us-magazines-terms-of-use)
[Skip to Content](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19611716/melatonin-side-effects/#main-content)
US
- [US](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/)
- [UK](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/)
- [España](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/es/)
- [Japan](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/jp/)
[Newsletter](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/email/womenshealthmag-newsletter/)
[Sign in](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/auth/csrf?action=login&return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%2Fhealth%2Fa19611716%2Fmelatonin-side-effects%2F)
[Sign in](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/auth/csrf?action=login&return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%2Fhealth%2Fa19611716%2Fmelatonin-side-effects%2F)
[Subscribe](https://membership.womenshealthmag.com/womens-health-premium-membership-5499.html?cds_tracking_code=whltopnav)
[Sign in](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/auth/csrf?action=login&return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%2Fhealth%2Fa19611716%2Fmelatonin-side-effects%2F)
[Sign in](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/auth/csrf?action=login&return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.womenshealthmag.com%2Fhealth%2Fa19611716%2Fmelatonin-side-effects%2F)
[Subscribe](https://membership.womenshealthmag.com/womens-health-premium-membership-5499.html?cds_tracking_code=whltopnav)
- [Fitness](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/)
- [Health](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/)
- [Beauty](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/)
- [Product Reviews](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/products/)
- [Sports & Athletes](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sports-athletes/)
- [Relationships](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/)
- [Membership Perks](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a45427015/womens-health-plus-exclusive-membership-perks/)
- [About](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/about/a24170223/about-womens-health/)
- [More](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19611716/melatonin-side-effects/)
1. [Health](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/)
2. [The Melatonin Side Effects You Should Know About](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19611716/melatonin-side-effects/)
# The Melatonin Side Effects You Should Know About
Yes, it could cause insomnia.
By [Ashley Mateo](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/4834/ashley-mateo/ "Ashley Mateo")
Published: Mar 28, 2018 10:43 AM EDT
Save Article
Getty Images
Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. [Why Trust Us?](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/about/a24170223/about-womens-health/)
If you’re like the 88 percent of women regularly not sleeping through the night (according to a recent *Women's Health* survey), you’ve probably found yourself looking for alternatives to counting sheep.
Last year, the [National Institutes of Health](https://nccih.nih.gov/research/statistics/NHIS/2012/natural-products/melatonin) reported that 3.1 million Americans used melatonin supplements to fall asleep. “Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by your brain that helps regulate your circadian rhythm, or when your body wants to wake up and go to sleep,” says [Jocelyn Cheng](https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1063623759/jocelyn-y-cheng), M.D., a neurologist at NYU Langone Health.
[Studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11941/) have actually shown that melatonin can help people with sleep disorders fall asleep anywhere between 27 and 50 minutes faster.
But before you go buy out your local vitamin shop's stock, remember: “A supplement is not a regulated drug, so there’s always a question as to whether you’re getting what it claims to be,” warns [Rachel Salas](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/0021181/rachel-salas), M.D., a neurologist with a focus on sleep disorders and sleep medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
One [study](http://jcsm.aasm.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=30950&_ga=2.124622858.1836393414.1521479015-619533109.1519571049) actually found that 71 percent of melatonin supplements did not meet the claims on the label, with some listing up to five times the amount of the hormone than it actually contained. Look for supplements displaying seals from the [United States Pharmacopeial Convention](http://www.quality-supplements.org/verified-products) or [NSF International](https://www.nsf.org/services/by-industry/dietary-supplements/) so you know the manufacturers are legit.
## Related Story
- [41 Percent Of Americans Prefer To Sleep Alone](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a18734107/partner-sleep-study/)
Of course, like any drug or supplement, melatonin can come with some side effects.
While many of the potential side effects listed on the internet—like short-lasting feelings of [depression](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19920419/depression-symptoms-in-women/), dizziness, low blood pressure, or mild irritability or anxiety—are exceedingly rare, doctors say these four melatonin side effects occur with slightly more regularity:
## Drowsiness
[View full post on GIPHY](https://giphy.com/embed/14hveW09nZPsZO)
The biggest side effect that comes with melatonin is actually grogginess. “It’s like a hangover,” says Salas. That feeling of grogginess or not wanting to to get up is something that’s often associated with sleep aids. “That’s just really the nature of the game of promoting sleepiness,” she says. “In some individuals, the sleep effect can hang around in the body a little bit longer—their body may not process the supplement as quickly, and so they’re still experiencing the effects when they wake up,” says Salas.
## Insomnia
[View full post on GIPHY](https://giphy.com/embed/3ohjVbAWsK044UTDBC)
“The most common thing I hear from patients is that melatonin doesn’t work,” says Salas. Patients often expect the drug to work more like a [sleeping pill](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19932088/sleeping-pill-dangers/) than a sleep aid—and as a result, don't take it properly.
Your body naturally produces a surge in melatonin around 7 p.m., says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., president of [Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine](http://www.cvilleneuroandsleep.com/) and author of *[The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How to Fix It](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399583610?tag=womenshealth-auto-20)*. “That’s why it’s really meant to be taken at sundown, to help boost your body’s natural production and send your brain the message that bedtime is coming,” he explains. “If not taken properly, it can actually make it harder to sleep.” So if you want until 11 p.m. to take it, it may already be too late for it to do its job.
## Headache
[View full post on GIPHY](https://giphy.com/embed/y9v6gGKHjBX7W)
Most medications include [headaches](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19919224/headaches/) as a common side effect. “When people take a new drug or supplement, prescribed or not, their bodies may react differently and headaches are a typical response to that,” says Salas.
## Related Story
- [The Best White Noise Machine. Period.](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a16761502/marpac-dohm-white-noise-machine-review/)
Not to mention, “melatonin is tied to your circadian rhythm, and anything that relates to the timing of your body can be affected when you take it,” says Winter. Timing matters here because if your body isn’t on the right sleep schedule (i.e. you’re taking the melatonin late and still waking up early), you could end up waking up during deeper REM sleep, which would leave you feeling headachy.
## Gastrointestinal Issues
[View full post on GIPHY](https://giphy.com/embed/ArdcEgTjLfxDO)
Nausea, constipation, and an upset stomach are all common reactions to medication, and could come with taking melatonin. “The ingredients in a drug or supplement can change—even what’s holding the tablet or the capsule together—and that could cause irritation in your GI system,” says Salas. She often warns her patients to avoid buying melatonin in bulk until their know how their body is going to react. “You might have GI effects with one brand versus another, so it’s worth waiting to see what happens before committing to a specific supplement.”
[Ashley Mateo](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/author/4834/ashley-mateo/)
Ashley Mateo is a writer, editor, and UESCA- and RRCA-certified running coach who has contributed to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Women's Health, Health, Shape, Self, and more. She’ll go anywhere in the world once—even if it’s just for a good story. Also into: good pizza, good beer, and good photos.
Watch NextUltimate Pull-Up Plan Trailer \| Women's Health
![Play video](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M240,128a15.74,15.74,0,0,1-7.6,13.51L88.32,229.65a16,16,0,0,1-16.2.3A15.86,15.86,0,0,1,64,216.13V39.87a15.86,15.86,0,0,1,8.12-13.82,16,16,0,0,1,16.2.3L232.4,114.49A15.74,15.74,0,0,1,240,128Z"\>%0A\</path\>\</svg\>>)
Ultimate Pull-Up Plan Trailer \| Women's Health
Women's Health US
![Playlist Back](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M208,47.88V208.12a16,16,0,0,1-24.43,13.43L64,146.77V216a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V40a8,8,0,0,1,16,0v69.23L183.57,34.45A15.95,15.95,0,0,1,208,47.88Z"\>\</path\>%0A\</svg\>>)
![Play](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M240,128a15.74,15.74,0,0,1-7.6,13.51L88.32,229.65a16,16,0,0,1-16.2.3A15.86,15.86,0,0,1,64,216.13V39.87a15.86,15.86,0,0,1,8.12-13.82,16,16,0,0,1,16.2.3L232.4,114.49A15.74,15.74,0,0,1,240,128Z"\>%0A\</path\>\</svg\>>)![Pause](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M216,48V208a16,16,0,0,1-16,16H160a16,16,0,0,1-16-16V48a16,16,0,0,1,16-16h40A16,16,0,0,1,216,48ZM96,32H56A16,16,0,0,0,40,48V208a16,16,0,0,0,16,16H96a16,16,0,0,0,16-16V48A16,16,0,0,0,96,32Z"\>\</path\>%0A\</svg\>%0A>)![Replay](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg width="20" height="21" viewBox="0 0 20 21" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"\>%0A\<path d="M17.8125 10.5001C17.8127 12.5541 17.004 14.5256 15.5614 15.9877C14.1188 17.4499 12.1585 18.2851 10.1047 18.3126H10C8.00552 18.3168 6.08591 17.5534 4.63906 16.1806C4.45828 16.0099 4.35273 15.7743 4.34562 15.5258C4.33851 15.2772 4.43044 15.036 4.60117 14.8552C4.77191 14.6744 5.00746 14.5689 5.25602 14.5618C5.50458 14.5547 5.74578 14.6466 5.92656 14.8173C6.77519 15.6185 7.84111 16.1518 8.99112 16.3506C10.1411 16.5494 11.3242 16.4049 12.3926 15.9352C13.4609 15.4654 14.3671 14.6912 14.998 13.7093C15.6288 12.7274 15.9563 11.5814 15.9395 10.4144C15.9227 9.24745 15.5623 8.11133 14.9035 7.14802C14.2446 6.1847 13.3165 5.43691 12.2351 4.9981C11.1536 4.55929 9.96684 4.44891 8.82303 4.68076C7.67922 4.91261 6.62911 5.47641 5.80391 6.3017C5.79375 6.31185 5.78438 6.32123 5.77344 6.3306L4.28828 7.68763H5.625C5.87364 7.68763 6.1121 7.78641 6.28791 7.96222C6.46373 8.13804 6.5625 8.37649 6.5625 8.62513C6.5625 8.87377 6.46373 9.11223 6.28791 9.28805C6.1121 9.46386 5.87364 9.56263 5.625 9.56263H1.875C1.62636 9.56263 1.3879 9.46386 1.21209 9.28805C1.03627 9.11223 0.9375 8.87377 0.9375 8.62513V4.87513C0.9375 4.62649 1.03627 4.38804 1.21209 4.21222C1.3879 4.03641 1.62636 3.93763 1.875 3.93763C2.12364 3.93763 2.3621 4.03641 2.53791 4.21222C2.71373 4.38804 2.8125 4.62649 2.8125 4.87513V6.49388L4.49062 4.95795C5.58508 3.86937 6.97748 3.12942 8.49209 2.83148C10.0067 2.53354 11.5756 2.69096 13.0008 3.28388C14.4261 3.87681 15.6437 4.87865 16.5001 6.16296C17.3564 7.44728 17.8131 8.9565 17.8125 10.5001Z" fill="white"/\>%0A\</svg\>%0A>)
![Playlist Forward](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M208,40V216a8,8,0,0,1-16,0V146.77L72.43,221.55A15.95,15.95,0,0,1,48,208.12V47.88A15.95,15.95,0,0,1,72.43,34.45L192,109.23V40a8,8,0,0,1,16,0Z"\>\</path\>%0A\</svg\>>)
LIVE
![Unmute](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M213.92,210.62a8,8,0,1,1-11.84,10.76L160,175.09v48.6a8.29,8.29,0,0,1-3.91,7.18,8,8,0,0,1-9-.56l-65.55-51A4,4,0,0,1,80,176.18V87.09L42.08,45.38A8,8,0,1,1,53.92,34.62Zm-27.21-55.46a8,8,0,0,0,11.29-.7,40,40,0,0,0,0-52.88,8,8,0,1,0-12,10.57,24,24,0,0,1,0,31.72A8,8,0,0,0,186.71,155.16Zm40.92-80.49a8,8,0,1,0-11.92,10.66,64,64,0,0,1,0,85.34,8,8,0,1,0,11.92,10.66,80,80,0,0,0,0-106.66ZM153,119.87a4,4,0,0,0,7-2.7V32.25a8.27,8.27,0,0,0-2.88-6.4,8,8,0,0,0-10-.16L103.83,59.33a4,4,0,0,0-.5,5.85ZM60,80H32A16,16,0,0,0,16,96v64a16,16,0,0,0,16,16H60a4,4,0,0,0,4-4V84A4,4,0,0,0,60,80Z"\>\</path\>%0A\</svg\>>)![Mute](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M160,32.25V223.69a8.29,8.29,0,0,1-3.91,7.18,8,8,0,0,1-9-.56l-65.57-51A4,4,0,0,1,80,176.16V79.84a4,4,0,0,1,1.55-3.15l65.57-51a8,8,0,0,1,10,.16A8.27,8.27,0,0,1,160,32.25ZM60,80H32A16,16,0,0,0,16,96v64a16,16,0,0,0,16,16H60a4,4,0,0,0,4-4V84A4,4,0,0,0,60,80Zm126.77,20.84a8,8,0,0,0-.72,11.3,24,24,0,0,1,0,31.72,8,8,0,1,0,12,10.58,40,40,0,0,0,0-52.88A8,8,0,0,0,186.74,100.84Zm40.89-26.17a8,8,0,1,0-11.92,10.66,64,64,0,0,1,0,85.34,8,8,0,1,0,11.92,10.66,80,80,0,0,0,0-106.66Z"\>\</path\>%0A\</svg\>>)
Current Time 0:00
Total Duration 0:46
![Closed Captions](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="%23ffffff" viewBox="0 0 256 256"\>%0A%09\<path d="M224,48H32A16,16,0,0,0,16,64V192a16,16,0,0,0,16,16H224a16,16,0,0,0,16-16V64A16,16,0,0,0,224,48ZM116,162.64a40,40,0,1,1,0-69.28,8,8,0,1,1-8,13.85,24,24,0,1,0,0,41.58,8,8,0,0,1,8,13.85Zm80,0a40,40,0,1,1,0-69.28,8,8,0,1,1-8,13.85,24,24,0,1,0,0,41.58,8,8,0,0,1,8,13.85Z"\>\</path\>%0A\</svg\>>)
- Captions Off
- English
![Enter Fullscreen](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg width="20" height="21" viewBox="0 0 20 21" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"\>%0A\<path d="M4.0415 7.79134H1.6665V1.83301H7.62484V4.20801H4.0415V7.79134ZM1.6665 12.5413H4.0415V16.1247H7.62484V18.4997H1.6665V12.5413ZM15.9582 4.20801H12.3748V1.83301H18.3332V7.79134H15.9582V4.20801ZM12.3748 18.4997V16.1247H15.9582V12.5413H18.3332V18.4997H12.3748Z" fill="white"/\>%0A\</svg\>%0A>)![Exit Fullscreen](<data:image/svg+xml,\<svg width="20" height="21" viewBox="0 0 20 21" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"\>%0A\<path d="M1.6665 5.73794H5.23794V2.1665H7.6189V8.1189H1.6665V5.73794ZM5.23794 15.2617H1.6665V12.8808H7.6189V18.8332H5.23794V15.2617ZM12.3808 2.1665H14.7617V5.73794H18.3332V8.1189H12.3808V2.1665ZM14.7617 15.2617V18.8332H12.3808V12.8808H18.3332V15.2617H14.7617Z" fill="white"/\>%0A\</svg\>%0A>)
Watch: [Ultimate Pull-Up Plan Trailer \| Women's Health](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a64409772/how-to-do-a-pull-up-strength-training-program-ultimate-pull-up-plan/)
âś•
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
## [Health](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/)
[Cooking at Home May Lower Dementia Risk](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70954809/cooking-dementia-risk-study/)
[Phthalate Exposure Is Linked to Preterm Birth](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70943132/preterm-births-phthalates-study/)
[Eiza González’s Most Extreme Wellness Rituals](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70944203/eiza-gonzalez-wellness-rituals/)
[This Sweetener May Raise the Risk of Stroke](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70928556/erythritol-stroke-risk-study/)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
[The Cicada COVID Variant Is Spreading in the U.S.](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70920219/covid-variant-cicada/)
[7 Strategies to Prevent Recurrent UTIs, Per Docs](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70920102/best-recurrent-uti-treatments/)
[Lifting May Be Better Than Cardio for Depression](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70909754/building-muscle-depression-symptom-study/)
[Why Is There an Estrogen Patch Shortage?](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70917886/estrogen-patch-shortage-what-to-do/)
[Inside Jenna Dewan’s Self-Care Toolbox](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70909959/jenna-dewan-self-care/)
[What to Know About the Newest Weight Loss Pill](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70919572/foundayo-orforglipron-new-weight-loss-pill/)
[Eating More Meat Linked to Lower Dementia Risk](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70897888/more-meat-lower-risk-dementia-study/)
[3 Easy Ways to Lower the Risk of Heart Attack](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a70885357/11-minute-sleep-cardiovascular-disease-study/)
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
[](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/)
[](https://x.com/WomensHealthMag)
[](https://www.tiktok.com/@womenshealthmag?lang=en)
[](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk4di8t80ySV8WIbX00ol8w)
[](https://www.facebook.com/womenshealthmagazine/)
[](https://www.instagram.com/womenshealthmag/)
[](https://www.pinterest.com/womenshealthmag/)
[About Women's Health](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/about/a24170223/about-womens-health/)[Newsletter](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/email/womenshealthmag-newsletter)[Customer Care](https://service.womenshealthmag.com/login?redirect=%2F)[Advertise](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/about/a16637419/advertise-with-us/)[Media Kit](http://womenshealthmediakit.com/r5/home.asp)[Subscribe](https://membership.womenshealthmag.com/womens-health-premium-membership-1.html?cds_tracking_code=whlfooter)[Give a Gift](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/gift-subscriptions/?cds_tracking_code=whl_footer_gift)[WH+ Membership Perks](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a45427015/womens-health-plus-exclusive-membership-perks/)[Exclusive Fitness Challenges](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a36559593/exclusive-guides-fitness-challenges/)
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
©2026 Hearst Magazines, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
[Privacy Notice](https://www.hearst.com/-/us-magazines-privacy-notice)[CA Notice at Collection](https://www.hearst.com/-/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[Your CA Privacy Rights/Shine the Light](https://www.hearst.com/-/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[DAA Industry Opt Out](https://www.hearst.com/-/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_OPT_OUTS)[Terms of Use](https://www.hearst.com/-/us-magazines-terms-of-use)[Site Map](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sitemap/)
[Cookies Choices](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19611716/melatonin-side-effects/ "Cookies Choices") |
| Readable Markdown | If you’re like the 88 percent of women regularly not sleeping through the night (according to a recent *Women's Health* survey), you’ve probably found yourself looking for alternatives to counting sheep.
Last year, the [National Institutes of Health](https://nccih.nih.gov/research/statistics/NHIS/2012/natural-products/melatonin) reported that 3.1 million Americans used melatonin supplements to fall asleep. “Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by your brain that helps regulate your circadian rhythm, or when your body wants to wake up and go to sleep,” says [Jocelyn Cheng](https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1063623759/jocelyn-y-cheng), M.D., a neurologist at NYU Langone Health.
[Studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11941/) have actually shown that melatonin can help people with sleep disorders fall asleep anywhere between 27 and 50 minutes faster.
But before you go buy out your local vitamin shop's stock, remember: “A supplement is not a regulated drug, so there’s always a question as to whether you’re getting what it claims to be,” warns [Rachel Salas](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/0021181/rachel-salas), M.D., a neurologist with a focus on sleep disorders and sleep medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
One [study](http://jcsm.aasm.org/ViewAbstract.aspx?pid=30950&_ga=2.124622858.1836393414.1521479015-619533109.1519571049) actually found that 71 percent of melatonin supplements did not meet the claims on the label, with some listing up to five times the amount of the hormone than it actually contained. Look for supplements displaying seals from the [United States Pharmacopeial Convention](http://www.quality-supplements.org/verified-products) or [NSF International](https://www.nsf.org/services/by-industry/dietary-supplements/) so you know the manufacturers are legit.
Of course, like any drug or supplement, melatonin can come with some side effects.
While many of the potential side effects listed on the internet—like short-lasting feelings of [depression](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19920419/depression-symptoms-in-women/), dizziness, low blood pressure, or mild irritability or anxiety—are exceedingly rare, doctors say these four melatonin side effects occur with slightly more regularity:
## Drowsiness
The biggest side effect that comes with melatonin is actually grogginess. “It’s like a hangover,” says Salas. That feeling of grogginess or not wanting to to get up is something that’s often associated with sleep aids. “That’s just really the nature of the game of promoting sleepiness,” she says. “In some individuals, the sleep effect can hang around in the body a little bit longer—their body may not process the supplement as quickly, and so they’re still experiencing the effects when they wake up,” says Salas.
## Insomnia
“The most common thing I hear from patients is that melatonin doesn’t work,” says Salas. Patients often expect the drug to work more like a [sleeping pill](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19932088/sleeping-pill-dangers/) than a sleep aid—and as a result, don't take it properly.
Your body naturally produces a surge in melatonin around 7 p.m., says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., president of [Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine](http://www.cvilleneuroandsleep.com/) and author of *[The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How to Fix It](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0399583610?tag=womenshealth-auto-20)*. “That’s why it’s really meant to be taken at sundown, to help boost your body’s natural production and send your brain the message that bedtime is coming,” he explains. “If not taken properly, it can actually make it harder to sleep.” So if you want until 11 p.m. to take it, it may already be too late for it to do its job.
## Headache
Most medications include [headaches](https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19919224/headaches/) as a common side effect. “When people take a new drug or supplement, prescribed or not, their bodies may react differently and headaches are a typical response to that,” says Salas.
Not to mention, “melatonin is tied to your circadian rhythm, and anything that relates to the timing of your body can be affected when you take it,” says Winter. Timing matters here because if your body isn’t on the right sleep schedule (i.e. you’re taking the melatonin late and still waking up early), you could end up waking up during deeper REM sleep, which would leave you feeling headachy.
## Gastrointestinal Issues
Nausea, constipation, and an upset stomach are all common reactions to medication, and could come with taking melatonin. “The ingredients in a drug or supplement can change—even what’s holding the tablet or the capsule together—and that could cause irritation in your GI system,” says Salas. She often warns her patients to avoid buying melatonin in bulk until their know how their body is going to react. “You might have GI effects with one brand versus another, so it’s worth waiting to see what happens before committing to a specific supplement.”
Ashley Mateo is a writer, editor, and UESCA- and RRCA-certified running coach who has contributed to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Women's Health, Health, Shape, Self, and more. She’ll go anywhere in the world once—even if it’s just for a good story. Also into: good pizza, good beer, and good photos. |
| Shard | 18 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 14496206686364452218 |
| Unparsed URL | com,womenshealthmag!www,/health/a19611716/melatonin-side-effects/ s443 |