OverviewMelatonin is a hormone in your body that plays a role in sleep. The production and release of melatonin in the brain is connected to time of day, increasing when it's dark and decreasing when it's light. Melatonin production declines with age. Show Melatonin is also available as a supplement, typically as an oral tablet or capsule. Most melatonin supplements are made in a lab. People commonly use melatonin for sleep disorders, such as insomnia and jet lag. EvidenceResearch on melatonin use for specific conditions shows:
Research suggests that melatonin might reduce evening confusion and restlessness in people with Alzheimer's disease, but it doesn't seem to improve cognition. Our takeGenerally safeYour body likely produces enough melatonin for its general needs. However, evidence suggests that melatonin supplements promote sleep and are safe for short-term use. Melatonin can be used to treat delayed sleep phase and circadian rhythm sleep disorders in the blind and provide some insomnia relief. Treat melatonin as you would any sleeping pill and use it under your doctor's supervision. Safety and side effectsMelatonin taken orally in appropriate amounts is generally safe. Melatonin can cause:
Less common melatonin side effects might include short-lasting feelings of depression, mild tremor, mild anxiety, abdominal cramps, irritability, reduced alertness, confusion or disorientation. Because melatonin can cause daytime drowsiness, don't drive or use machinery within five hours of taking the supplement. Don't use melatonin if you have an autoimmune disease. InteractionsPossible drug interactions include:
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. Why can't diabetics use melatonin?Researchers have discovered that increasing levels of the sleep hormone melatonin reduces the ability of insulin-producing cells to release insulin.
What can diabetics take to help them sleep?Anecdotal evidence on some of the diabetes forums shows that melatonin and antihistamines are the most popular way of treating insomnia. These meds are also “light” enough that they won't knock you out so much that you won't wake up naturally in an emergency — or from a low blood sugar.
Can melatonin raise blood sugar?The results from the human participants showed that consuming melatonin reduced the level of GIP in the blood by 20%. However, the reduced level of GIP did not have the anticipated effect on pancreatic insulin production, which remained the same. Melatonin also had no effect on blood glucose or on GLP-1.
Can you take melatonin with diabetes and high blood pressure?Melatonin may increase blood pressure in individuals taking medication for hypertension and increase blood glucose levels in diabetics. Melatonin can also increase the sedative effect of central nervous system depressants and diminish the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy and medications for epilepsy.
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