6 Reasons We Went Melatonin-Free

Available in pill, droplet, liquid and chewable form, Americans spent more than $437 million (in 2017) on melatonin supplements, mainly for their sleep-inducing capabilities. But there are downsides to hitting the sack with melatonin, like the increased risk of headaches and dizziness, a groggy, almost hungover feeling come morning, potential nausea, and, when taken in large doses, potential effects on the ovaries.

Although melatonin is considered natural (synthetic versions do exist, too, which are usually derived from animal glands), some sleep experts suggest avoiding it altogether, instead opting for plant- and herb-based alternatives like valerian root and holy basil leaf, amongst others. We opted to formulate our nighttime supplement, MindYourMind, without a single drop of melatonin, and these are the reasons why.

1. No one wants to wake up with a headache

While the jury is still out as to whether or not melatonin is helpful in alleviating migraines, if you take melatonin and wake during REM sleep, you could start your day with a headache. 

2. It can alter hormone levels

Most supporters and users of melatonin notice almost immediate effects. But, the longer you use it for, the more likely it is for your body to readjust to the influx of the hormone—it’s almost as if it has an opposite effect with time. That’s because too much melatonin can affect receptors in the body and desensitize the brain, leading to sleepless nights and an insomnia-like effect.

3. A drinkless hangover is the worst

For all that praise melatonin, there are just as many people that disregard its effects and claim that all it’s good for is promoting a hangover-like feeling. And if you’re going to wake up feeling bad in the morning, well, you might as well have had fun the night before. The reason why melatonin can have a drowsy aftereffect is because the body may not entirely process and breakdown the components of the supplement by morning. So, some of the lethargic effects linger. 

4. If taken at the wrong time, melatonin can majorly throw your sleep off

The key to melatonin is taking the right amount (about .3mg – 1mg) at the right time (around 7 p.m. when the natural production of melatonin kicks into high gear). Although it is said to help regulate the sleep cycle, if it is taken too late at night, it can throw your regular sleep schedule out of whack by pushing it in the wrong direction. This can make falling asleep harder than normal.

5. It may boost blood sugar levels

While this isn’t the case with everyone who takes melatonin, short-term use of the hormone is believed to boost blood sugar levels, which is why most doctors advise melatonin not to taken by those who have diabetes.

6. The sleep-inducing effects may backfire

Most supporters and users of melatonin notice almost immediate effects. But, the longer you use it for, the more likely it is for your body to readjust to the influx of the hormone—it’s almost as if it has an opposite effect with time. That’s because too much melatonin can affect receptors in the body and desensitize the brain, leading to sleepless nights and an insomnia-like effect.