The Dark Side of Melatonin: Understanding Its Potential for Addiction and Hormone Disruption

We’ve all heard about Melatonin…right? It is a natural sleep aid and is popular as a remedy for sleep issues and jet lag. But there is a side to Melatonin that may make you reconsider including it in your nightly bedtime routine. 

Melatonin first made its public debut in the mid-90s when Dr. Walter Pierpaoli, M.D., Ph.D and Dr. Willam Regelson M.D., launched the book ‘The Melatonin Miracle: Nature's Age-Reversing, Disease-Fighting, Sex-Enhancing Hormone’. It became an instant big bestseller and informed the world about how great Melatonin is/was and the health benefits that it offers. Fast forward to today…it’s available everywhere, in every drug, grocery, and club store. In all forms, capsules, tablets, chewables, and even gummies.  

Melatonin can be extremely helpful when used properly and responsibly. But, I hate to break it to you…there is also a dark side to Melatonin that you may not know about. 

In this article, we will look into how melatonin can:

Some Facts About Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally in the body by the pineal gland in the brain, and its primary function is to regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is released as a response to darkness. This is what helps us fall asleep and maintain a restful sleep pattern all night long. Some people turn to melatonin supplements when they have sleep problems, especially when they have trouble falling asleep due to stress, insomnia, shift work, or jet lag. 

How Fast Does Melatonin Work?

Melatonin supplements are quick to start working, usually, you will start to notice that within 30 minutes to an hour after you take the supplement you will start to feel sleepy and relaxed. It makes for an efficient solution for anyone wanting quick and immediate relief from sleep problems. 

The Potential for Addiction

Did you know? One of the little-known secrets of melatonin is its potential for addiction. It begins when a person starts to rely on melatonin supplements as a way to fall asleep. This can lead to the development of a psychological dependence on Melatonin. This dependency can make it difficult to fall asleep without the use of Melatonin, leading to long-term use that may not be healthy in the long run for your body.

Hormone Disruption: Melatonin's Dark Side

Melatonin is linked to our body's natural hormone balance. Prolonged and excessive use of Melatonin supplements can disrupt this balance. Did you know that over time, the body may become less responsive to Melatonin? This can lead to taking higher and higher doses to achieve the same results. This can lead to imbalances of other hormones in the body, and potentially cause health issues.

Should Children Take Melatonin? 

While it can be beneficial for adults to take Melatonin, its safety for children is a little less clear. We have to consider that children's bodies are still developing, and introducing external hormones like melatonin can potentially disrupt their natural hormonal balance. Moreover, the long-term effects of melatonin use in children, including its impact on growth and development, have not been extensively studied. So parents and caregivers please seek professional advice before considering Melatonin supplements for children and explore alternative strategies for improving their sleep patterns, such as establishing good sleep hygiene including consistent bedtime routines, and addressing underlying sleep concerns with a healthcare provider.

Blood Pressure and Weight Gain

Melatonin's effects on blood pressure are mixed, with some studies suggesting it may lower blood pressure while others indicate no significant change. The impact on weight is also inconclusive, with no clear evidence that melatonin can directly cause weight gain or loss. But disruptions to sleep patterns, that occur with extended melatonin use, may indirectly affect metabolism and contribute to weight gain.

Best Natural Sources of Melatonin

If you're concerned about the potential drawbacks of taking a melatonin supplement, consider incorporating foods that naturally contain melatonin into your diet:

1. Cherries: Cherries, especially tart cherries, are known for their melatonin content.

2. Grapes: Red and black grapes contain small amounts of Melatonin.

3. Tomatoes: Tomatoes, particularly cherry tomatoes, are Melatonin-rich.

4. Bananas: Bananas are a source of melatonin, along with other beneficial vitamins and nutrients.

The Truth About Pistachios

Rumour has it that pistachios are a source of melatonin, but the fact is, their levels are really quite low compared to other foods like cherries or grapes. So, while they do contain Melatonin, eating large amounts of pistachios will not have a big impact on your sleep. A better approach is incorporating a variety of Melatonin-rich foods into your diet that not only contribute to your Melatonin intake but also other essential vitamins and minerals that are great for overall health and wellness.

Take-Away

Melatonin can be a helpful aid for managing sleep difficulties when used in moderation and under professional guidance. But, it's good to be aware of the potential for addiction/dependence and hormone disruption in the body that is associated with prolonged and extended use. Instead of relying on supplements, consider incorporating melatonin-rich foods into your diet instead and adopting healthy sleep hygiene habits to achieve better, restful, long-term results in improving your sleep quality. 

But always remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.