Long answer: Scientific evidence is inconclusive, but experts say melatonin nightmares may make sense.
Here’s why and how to prevent them.
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So if youre wondering if why melatonin is giving you nightmares, andwhat do nightmares mean, keep reading.
How does melatonin work?
scientist and the founder of Dr. Weiss Sleep Education
The issue, she says, is that oftentimes people take way too much melatonin.
What are the pros and cons of using melatonin?
When using it for this purpose, she recommends working with a specialist.
Dr. Harris also believes melatonin shouldnt be the first thing people reach for to help kids sleep.
Behavioral changes, she says, can help in many cases.
However, it isnt so black and white.
So to be safe, always consult with a doctor.
Another common question is whether melatonin supplements help decrease depression.
Melatonin isnt an antidepressant, Dr. Harris says and therefore not a treatment for depression.
scientist and the founder of Dr. Weiss Sleep Education
But if you sleep better, sometimes people find they feel better.
What are the side effects of melatonin?
Also, she notes that long-term use of melatonin hasnt been well studied.
But again, there isnt consistent research on this to know for sure.
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For this reason, always talk with your doctor before trying out and mixing new things, she says.
Also, takingtoo much melatonincan increase side effects.
So, how much melatonin is too much?
(Sleep doctorRaj Dasgupta, MD, says he usually prescribes a dose between .05 and 3 milligrams.)
That includes what dose, what form, what route, and when, he says.
Dr. Harris adds that in other countries, a prescription is even required for melatonin.
Does melatonin cause nightmares?
Its relative to what else [the person] is taking.
Dr. Harris adds that other conditions such as PTSD and sleep apnea can also cause nightmares.
However, she isnt aware of a correlation between melatonin and sleep paralysis.
[Melatonin] doesnt actually help you get into the deeper cycles of REM sleep, says Lyon.
Its just signaling its time to go to bed.
Without the gradual wind-down, he adds, youre taking those anxieties and stressors with you into your sleep.
Another possible connection between melatonin and the onset of nightmares because of melatonin may have to do with dosage.
Second, he suggests trying to journal as part of the getting-ready-for-bed process.
Did you take melatonin?
you could also try abedtime meditationto clear your mind and catch more zzzs without catching the nightmares.
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