The morning after taking melatonin If you've gotten a full night's sleep, but still feel groggy when you wake, you may be taking too large of a dose of melatonin. Reduce your dose next time to see if that helps.
One of the most common side effects of melatonin is drowsiness. Some people may notice that they feel sleepy or groggy the morning after taking melatonin. Taking melatonin earlier in the evening or reducing the dose may help a person wake up feeling refreshed.
Because melatonin can cause drowsiness, don't drive or use machinery within five hours of taking it. Melatonin supplements can interact with some types of medicine, including: Medicine that slows blood clotting. Medicine that prevents seizures.
Daytime sleepiness or grogginess
This is the most common side effect people experience when taking melatonin. Because you still want to sleep, you may feel irritable or agitated. To prevent daytime sleepiness or feeling groggy, make sure you only take melatonin in the evening or in the hours before bed.
Melatonin supplements are fast-acting sleep aids that can last up to five hours.
Some people also report feeling drowsy the following day when taking too much melatonin the night before.
Natural alternatives to melatonin, such as magnesium, valerian root, l-theanine, chamomile, and passionflower, are all-natural remedies that have been used for centuries to promote relaxation and help people get a better night's sleep.
On average, melatonin takes effect within 30–60 minutes. OTC melatonin can stay in the body for 4–10 hours, depending on the dose and formulation. People should avoid taking melatonin at or after their intended bedtime. Doing so can shift their sleep-wake cycle and lead to daytime sleepiness.
The current clinical consensus is that daily melatonin consumption is considered safe. However, according to a 2020 article published in Antioxidants, more research is needed to determine the correct dose and time and understand potential long-term effects.
What are the health benefits of taking melatonin? Melatonin supplements may help with certain conditions, such as jet lag, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, some sleep disorders in children, and anxiety before and after surgery.
Magnesium is best for those with magnesium deficiency, insomnia due to stress or anxiety, or muscle pain and cramping. On the other hand, melatonin is considered best for those who suffer from circadian rhythm disruption, hormonal imbalances, or melatonin deficiency.
In some people, taking too much melatonin can increase sleepiness. In others, it can have the opposite effect and produce a state of enhanced alertness.
Melatonin side effects, sometimes referred to as a melatonin "hangover," are usually mild. Most often, they include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness. 1 Though short-term usage appears safe, research on long-term use and side effects remains limited.
Possible symptoms of too much melatonin include: Headache. Hypotension (low blood pressure) Hypertension (high blood pressure)
In the UK and most of Europe, it's classed as a medicine, not a health supplement and as such, requires a prescription. This is because melatonin is considered “medical by function” which means that it requires a drug licence.
Do not use melatonin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disorder, a seizure disorder or depression. Talk to your health care provider if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Regardless of whether it truly helps with sleep or not, Dr. Ramkissoon doesn't recommend taking melatonin long-term.
Supplementing both the mineral magnesium and melatonin together promotes a deeper, longer, more restful sleep. Magnesium glycinate nourishes at least 300 essential metabolic activities in the body, including the relaxation of nerves and muscles, doing so with a low risk of unpleasant side effects or drug interactions*.
Supplementing both magnesium and melatonin together would promote a longer, deeper, and more restful sleep. Magnesium would help nourish the metabolic activities in the body, as well as relax the muscles and nerves without unpleasant side effects as opposed to other muscle relaxers.
Is it OK to take magnesium every night? You really shouldn't. Insomnia can be a sign of an unidentified sleep disorder, Gurubhagavatula said. You may find you have sleep apnea, restless legs, narcolepsy or a circadian rhythm sleep disorder.
Most people overdo it with melatonin by taking upward of 10 milligrams or more prior to bed and then claim it doesn't work. Taking too much melatonin can actually cause rebound insomnia —either rendering the supplement ineffective or worse, exacerbating your already sleepless nights further.
Experts say that melatonin, which many Americans use for better sleep, should not be used for chronic insomnia. Melatonin alternatives include magnesium, GABA, valerian root, and tart cherry.