Although its name will sound familiar to you from having seen a multitude of nutritional supplements in pharmacies and supermarkets, melatonin is a natural substance, which our own body secretes. It is related to the sleep and wake cycles, that is, to circadian rhythms, which are essential for the health and proper functioning of the human being.
As explained by Dr. Óscar Sans, medical director of AdSalutem Institute Sleep Medicine, melatonin is, specifically, a neuro-hormone synthesized in the pineal gland. Specifically, the natural levels of melatonin in the blood are higher at night and make it easier for us to sleep. Therefore, melatonin supplements would serve to increase the levels of this neuro-hormone, with the aim of improving the quality of sleep and, therefore, the quality of life.
But are supplements of any use?
In humans, melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, which is located in the center of the brain, on the dorsal surface of the diencephalon. Melatonin is part of the signal system that regulates the circadian cycle. However, it is the SCN (Suprachiasmatic Nucleus) that controls the circadian cycle in most of its components of the paracrine and endocrine systems, more than melatonin itself. Normally, the production of melatonin by the pineal gland is inhibited by light and stimulated by darkness.
As Dr. Sans explains: “Melatonin taken exogenously behaves much like endogenous melatonin, readjusting the rhythms that control the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin induces activity in nocturnal animals and leads to sleep in daytime animals ”.
This means that the ingested melatonin does present effectiveness; Unlike other supplements of substances produced naturally by the human being, such as collagen : curiously, ingested collagen cannot be used as such by the human body when ingested, since stomach acids break the complex chains of the collagen into simpler proteins that the body uses for convenience. On the other hand, ingested melatonin, in this case, would have the ability to generate the desired effects.
“Some research suggests that melatonin supplements may be helpful in treating sleep disorders such as phase lag syndrome, providing some relief from work-life insomnia and jet lag, ” explains Dr. Sans.
However, in the face of any of the aforementioned problems, and before starting to take melatonin, it is advisable to consult your family doctor or sleep expert to ensure that taking this product can help with the problem of concrete dream; This premise is valid for all medicines, even those that are sold without a prescription.
If you suspect that you require a melatonin treatment, the most important thing is to consult your doctor to identify what is causing the sleep problem. The opinion of the expert is very important whenever we follow any type of treatment, since, otherwise, the procedure could be useless or even counterproductive.
Melatonin: contraindications
Some people who are considering starting melatonin supplements are afraid of becoming dependent on melatonin to help them fall asleep. Another frequent doubt is that it is possible, as with other medications, to generate tolerance towards these supplements until their effect wears off.
In this sense, is it safe to take melatonin supplements? In general, yes, melatonin is safe for short-term use, as Dr. Sans points out: “Unlike what happens with many sleep medications, with melatonin you are unlikely to become dependent on your response. decrease after repeated use (habituation) or you experience a hangover effect ”.
However, as of today, we do not have long-term data on the therapeutic and secondary effects of this product: “Scientific societies consider that a health professional should control the convenience of its administration in each case, the dose and the duration. treatment, ”insists Dr. Sans.
Another frequent question that parents often have refers to the administration of melatonin among children. What to do if my child does not sleep well? Can I safely supplement her with melatonin?
Regarding this issue, there is consensus, as in adults, that the administration of melatonin, if it occurs, should always be done under the supervision of the primary care pediatrician and / or sleep specialist . as shown in a 2010 document called Use of oral melatonin in pediatric age jointly prepared by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), the Spanish Sleep Society (SES), the Spanish Society of Out-of-hospital Pediatrics and Primary Care ( SEPEAP) and the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPap).
Of course, it is recommended not to use this substance in children under six months.
Melatonin: side effects
The most common side effects of melatonin include the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sickness
- Heaviness of head
- Drowsiness
Additionally, melatonin supplements can interact with various medications, such as the following:
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications
- Anticonvulsants
- Contraceptives
- Medications for diabetes
- Medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants)
In pregnant or breastfeeding people it is not clear what effect melatonin may have on an unborn or nursing baby , so its use in these cases would initially be contraindicated.
Again, the doctor will help determine whether or not melatonin is adequate to improve the sleep disorder that is suffered, especially if you have a medical condition.
Article written with the collaboration of Dr. Óscar Sans, medical director of AdSalutem Institute Sleep Medicine and member of Top Doctors.
