No, melatonin doesn't directly cause weight gain; in fact, it may help with weight management by improving sleep, which regulates appetite hormones, but taking high doses or taking it at the wrong time could lead to sluggishness and reduced activity, indirectly contributing to weight gain. Some studies even suggest melatonin might aid weight loss by boosting "good" fat (brown adipose tissue) or preventing medication-induced weight gain, but more research is needed to fully understand its complex metabolic effects, with dose and timing being crucial factors.
The mechanism of melatonin-induced facial swelling remains to be determined. However, drug-induced angioedema associated with facial swelling has the potential to progress to laryngeal edema and airway obstruction. Therefore, patients experiencing these symptoms should discontinue melatonin therapy.
The most common side effects of melatonin supplements are drowsiness and headaches. Many people experience vivid dreams and nightmares while taking melatonin. At higher doses, some people have other side effects including: Feeling confused and disoriented.
Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. More research is needed to better understand its safety and usefulness over the long term.
Cautions with other medicines
Research now shows that melatonin may increase metabolism and improve our ability to lose weight. Melatonin fights fat in two major ways: it has the ability to assist in turning fat into energy rather than storing it and it improves thermogenic capacity of the mitochondria.
Melatonin supports skin regeneration and antioxidant activity, helping neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and accelerate visible aging). By reducing oxidative stress, melatonin helps support collagen, elasticity, and an even tone—key for smoother, youthful-looking skin.
Signs of melatonin overdose include excessive sleepiness, vomiting and trouble breathing. Other side effects of both low and high doses of melatonin can include headaches, excessive sleepiness, blood pressure changes, gastrointestinal problems, changes in other hormone levels and mood problems, McCall says.
The usual starting dose is one 2mg slow release tablet taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. Sometimes the dose may gradually be increased to 2 to 3 tablets before bedtime, depending on how well it works and whether you have any side effects. The maximum dose is 5 tablets (10mg) once daily.
Melatonin's biggest job is regulating your sleep-wake cycle. But it works in other areas of your body, too: Melatonin helps maintain regular menstrual cycles. Melatonin can also protect your brain health and prevent brain cells from breaking down.
Taking too much melatonin can result in a "melatonin hangover." Uncomfortable side effects can occur the next day, such as headaches, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, mood changes, upset stomach, intense dreams, disorientation, or confusion.
Regarding UV-induced solar damage, melatonin distinctly counteracts massive generation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial and DNA damage. Thus, there is considerable evidence for melatonin to be an effective anti-skin aging compound, and its various properties in this context are described in this review.
In the eye, melatonin regulates a variety of key processes like inhibiting angiogenesis by reducing vascular endothelial growth factor levels and protecting the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) integrity by enhancing tight junction proteins and pericyte coverage.
The findings of the reviewed studies indicate that melatonin is effective in promoting hair growth and reducing hair shedding, particularly in individuals with AGA or telogen effluvium.
Water Retention
A few users report mild bloating or puffiness, especially if they take melatonin daily. That's water retention, not actual fat gain — it goes away after reducing the dose.
Doctors often don't prescribe melatonin because strong evidence for its long-term effectiveness and safety is limited, especially for general insomnia, with behavioral therapies like CBT-I preferred as initial treatments, plus concerns exist about unregulated supplement quality (incorrect dosages, contaminants) and unknown long-term effects, particularly in children, where behavioral approaches are usually better. While approved in specific cases (like for children with autism), it's generally a short-term option, not a first-line fix for most adults or kids.
If you notice a sudden and rapid decline in your eyesight or if your vision worsens in only one eye, it is crucial to seek immediate professional advice. Some potential causes for rapid eyesight deterioration or unilateral changes include diabetes-related issues, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts.
Researchers have long known that melatonin--a key hormone that regulates the body's circadian clock--rapidly disappears from the blood after exposure to bright light.
Sun exposure
Researchers estimate that exposure to sunlight's UVA and UVB rays counts for 90% of the symptoms of skin aging. Over time, this damage adds up, resulting in wrinkles, age spots, and visible redness.
Top 7 Anti-aging Vitamins
Melanin is a natural pigment that gives your skin its color. It's produced in cells called melanocytes.
What cancels naturally occurring melatonin sleep hormone? Because melatonin is triggered by darkness, being exposed to light at night can block melatonin production, especially the blue light from digital devices such as cell phones.
Yes, when taken at the proper dosage, melatonin is safe; however, some people experience side effects such as headaches, next-day grogginess or brain fog and dizziness. This may be more likely to occur if you've taken too much.
Melatonin did not alter BP reactivity in healthy normotensive men and women. However, melatonin did decrease nighttime peripheral and central systolic BP, suggesting it may be beneficial in lowering BP even in those with a normal BP.
Melatonin's target sites are both central and peripheral. Binding sites have been found in many areas of the brain, including the pars tuberalis and hypothalamus, but also in the cells of the immune system, gonads, kidney, and the cardiovascular system (39, 40).