Melatonin addiction is not something that has been scientifically proven. That said, melatonin is not entirely without risk. People who use melatonin can become dependent upon it for achieving sleep.

Melatonin Addiction Is a New Concern

Man in dark room may develop a melatonin addiction just to get some sleep

Melatonin has become widely used as a natural supplement to help sleep in recent years. It has been during the Internet age that the naturally occurring hormone’s effect became clear to the public. During these same recent years, more and more stores started carrying melatonin supplements. Melatonin is sought after for its ability to help in regulation of sleep, mood and ovulation cycles.

Although you can walk into most any drug store and buy melatonin supplements today, the effects of these pills are still being researched. It is believed that melatonin helps with sleep-wake cycle normalcy. People who need to sleep in a regular cycle but have trouble achieving that often take melatonin to smooth out their routine. Melatonin may help with jet lag and seasonal depression.

Many people taking melatonin to help with sleep claim that it does work. For researchers, the question is then, if it works to achieve sleep, what other effects does it have on the body? A good question is also whether melatonin addiction is possible.

Melatonin’s Effects on the Body

What is known about melatonin’s effects on the body points to a slight possibility of a melatonin addiction. It is believed that melatonin taken to help with sleep or seasonal depression may slightly sedate part of the brain. Unlike prescription opiates, melatonin does not provide the euphoria that abusers of those pills seek. Still, for those seeking sedation, it may be possible for a melatonin addiction to develop over time.

Addiction is defined as, “A condition resulting when a person consumes a substance that may be pleasurable but with ongoing use becomes compulsive and causes problems in daily life.” By this definition, melatonin may be determined as addictive one day.

Although it is able to sedate users, melatonin is still a healthier and safer option to other types of sleep aids. It is certainly no debate that the supplement is a better choice than opiates, such as prescription sleeping pills. The same is true of sleeping drugs available over-the-counter. Compared to these medications and prescription pills, melatonin addiction is not a pressing issue.

Despite being safe, doctors still recommend that no more than 10 millgrams of melatonin are taken at a time. Users are advised to only take it for the short term. People should not use melatonin to help with sleep for more than several days or a few weeks at a time. For longer use, scientists are unsure of safety and likelihood of addiction.

When melatonin causes side effects, those effects usually include nausea, headache, dizziness or drowsiness. It is never recommended for melatonin to be mixed with other sedative drugs or prescription painkillers. Doing so can cause excessive sleepiness.

Beaches Recovery Understands How Addiction Starts

Whatever your addiction, Beaches Recovery’s addiction specialists understand how your problem began. No one wants to become addicted to any substance. Simply wanting a good night’s sleep can lead to bigger problems for many, however. This desire for what others experience naturally can lead to prescription pill abuse and other addictions, quite possibly even an addiction to melatonin.

If you or someone you love are struggling with sleep medication addiction or substance abuse involving other drugs, Beaches Recovery offers a variety of programs to turn your life back around. For more information about available programs and addiction therapy methods, call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532.