Before trying any supplements or treatments, it is important to know the benefits as well as the side effects of the products you intend take. Therefore, if you want to try a melatonin sleep aid, it is important to be familiar with melatonin side effects. Melatonin is one of the leading sleep aids on the market due to its efficacy in resetting the internal body clock. However, you need to remember that melatonin is considered a nutritional supplement and the United States Food and Drugs Administration has strict regulations when it comes to herbal treatments and supplements.

In general, melatonin is considered safe for short-term use, which is about 3 months or less. For overall safety, you should never exceed the recommended dose of any supplement or sleep aid. Many melatonin side effects are the result of taking too much!

In some cases, disorientation can be experienced due to melatonin overdose. This includes sleepwalking, confusion, nightmares and vivid dreams but these melatonin side effects can be eliminated after discontinued use of the supplement. Additionally, other people report mood changes while using melatonin such as dysphoria or sadness and overexcitement.

Both men and women can experience hormonal changes from melatonin overdose. Men may suffer decreased sperm motility, reduced sperm count and even increased size of the breast or gynecomastia. However, these side effects can be eliminated after stopping the use of melatonin. For women, there may be an increase or decrease in the levels of thyroid, reproductive and growth hormones. Pregnant women who are taking excessive melatonin levels may experience a high risk of developing disorders.

Patients with type 1 diabetes may suffer from elevated levels of blood sugar or hyperglycemia. In this case, low doses of melatonin may reduce insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

People who are taking medications such as aspirin, heparin, warfarin and other blood-thinning medication should avoid taking melatonin. If you are suffering from neurological disorders and you are receiving anti-epilectic medications, melatonin supplements are not recommended for you.

In general, melatonin is regarded to be safe and free from any direct side effects. However, it is important to understand that melatonin side effects can occur if you have any of the conditions above. In addition, as with any sleep aid or supplement, you do not want to take more than the recommended dose.