If You’re Taking Melatonin Every Night, You’re Going To Want To Read This – mindbodygreen.com

While short-term melatonin use is considered safe for most people, there is limited research to show that it is effective for promoting sleep long term. And beyond being ineffective, taking melatonin every night can be harmful.

"It's important to remember that melatonin is a hormone and using any hormone regularly can down-regulate your own production of that hormone," notes Bonney.

"I have not seen good data to show that high doses of melatonin will not impact your endogenous, natural production of melatonin," echoes Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, mbg's vice president of scientific affairs.

Furthermore, initial research has found that melatonin supplementation may negatively affect the function of other hormones likeestrogenandmale growth hormone.

Considering its potential to throw off hormone health, it makes sense that melatonin is only available as a prescription in most countries. "Melatonin is a hormone and should be used intentionally, ideally under the guidance of a licensed health professional," says Bhopal.

So consider this sleep myth squashed: You should not take melatonin every night.

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If You're Taking Melatonin Every Night, You're Going To Want To Read This - mindbodygreen.com