As the hustle and bustle of daily life continue to take its toll on us, it's no wonder that many of us are turning to melatonin supplements to improve our sleep and help us get the rest we need. But with so many questions surrounding the use of melatonin, it can be challenging to know where to turn for the answers. Here, we explore the world of melatonin supplements and uncover the truth about this popular sleep aid. How does melatonin work? Do melatonin gummies expire? We’ve developed the complete melatonin guide.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body that helps regulate sleep patterns. The pineal gland produces it in response to darkness. It influences the body's circadian rhythm, or internal clock, to control when we feel sleepy and are more alert. It is also supplemented in supplement form to help people sleep better. As more people seek ways to improve their sleep quality, melatonin supplements have become increasingly popular. But, as with any supplement, there are specific considerations to keep in mind when taking melatonin.
Ready to learn about melatonin supplements? We have the article that will put you to sleep… well… you know what we mean.
Do Melatonin Gummies Expire?
Like many other supplements, melatonin gummies have an expiration date because the active ingredients in melatonin gummies can degrade over time, making them less effective. Although they can still be consumed after the expiration date, the body may not be able to absorb the full potency of the supplement. It's essential to check the label of your melatonin gummies and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for storage and use.
To ensure you get the most out of your melatonin gummies, it's essential to ensure you take them at the right time and that they are correctly stored according to manufacturer guidelines. For example, many melatonin gummies need to be refrigerated to maintain their potency, and taking them at the wrong time of day could lead to difficulty sleeping. If a melatonin gummy is expired, it may not be as effective and could lead to unwanted side effects.
What Happens If You Take Expired Melatonin?
If you take expired melatonin products, it may not be as effective as it once was. Additionally, expired melatonin could lead to unwanted side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. If you need clarification on whether your melatonin gummies are still good, it's best to err on the side of caution and not take them.
Adverse Effects Caused by Expired Melatonin
While melatonin is generally considered safe when directed, expired melatonin can increase the risk of potential side effects and dangers. Here are some of the possible consequences of taking expired melatonin:
- Reduced efficacy: The potency of melatonin decreases over time, meaning that expired melatonin may not work as well as fresh melatonin.
- Increased risk of side effects: Expired melatonin may contain higher impurities and contaminants that can increase the risk of side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- Contamination: Melatonin can become contaminated with bacteria or other harmful substances over time, which can be dangerous to consume.
- Allergic reactions: Expired melatonin may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, particularly if it has become contaminated.
- Interactions with other medications: Taking expired melatonin can increase the risk of drug interactions, especially if you are taking other medications.
It is always important to check the expiration date before consuming any supplement, including melatonin, and to replace it if it has expired. If you experience any adverse effects after taking expired melatonin, you should seek medical attention immediately.
How Long Does Melatonin Last?
The time that melatonin lasts in the body can vary significantly from person to person due to age, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions. For example, people with depression or insomnia may have a slightly longer half-life for melatonin capsules in their system, meaning it will take longer for their bodies to metabolize the hormone.
Other factors influencing how prolonged melatonin lasts include the reason for taking it in the first place. For instance, if melatonin is used solely for jet lag, the effects may last only a few hours. However, using it for chronic insomnia may result in effects lasting up to 10 hours. Melatonin is metabolized relatively quickly, and its effects typically wear off within a few hours. And while sleep comes quickly, there may also be a downside, such as drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. Some people may also experience more severe side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, and changes in blood pressure.
For a closer look at what affects how prolonged melatonin last, take a look at the table below:
|
Factor |
Effect on Melatonin Duration |
|---|---|
|
Age |
Younger people tend to metabolize melatonin faster than older people |
|
Weight |
Heavier people tend to have a longer melatonin half-life than lighter people |
|
Genetics |
Individuals may metabolize melatonin differently due to genetic variations |
|
Liver function |
Melatonin is metabolized in the liver, so liver function can affect its duration |
|
Medications |
Some medications, such as CYP1A2 inhibitors, can slow down the metabolism of melatonin |
|
Alcohol consumption |
Alcohol consumption can reduce the efficacy of melatonin |
Dosing Melatonin
Determining the correct dose of melatonin can be difficult. The appropriate dose can vary significantly from person to person because each person's body chemistry is unique, and their lifestyle factors can also affect how their body responds to melatonin. Therefore, a doctor must consult a doctor to determine the right amount of melatonin to use.
The recommended dose of melatonin can also vary depending on the reason for consuming it (e.g., for sleep, jet lag, etc.). 19% of survey respondents said they started taking melatonin on a doctor's recommendation. For instance, a doctor might recommend a dose of 3 mg of melatonin taken an hour before bedtime for sleep problems.
Check out the table below for more dosing information.
|
Reason for Taking Melatonin |
Low Dose |
High Dose |
|---|---|---|
|
General Bedtime Needs |
0.3mg |
5mg |
|
Sleep-Wake Disorders |
0.5mg |
5mg |
|
Insomnia |
2mg |
3mg |
|
Jet Lag |
0.5mg |
8mg |
Cannabinoids and Melatonin: Does This Combination Work?
Melatonin is a hormone that is thought to regulate sleep. Combined with cannabinoids, it can help produce a sedative-like effect that can make people relax and fall asleep more easily. It can also reduce anxiety and pain, making it a popular choice for people looking for a more natural way to relieve insomnia and other sleep-related issues. Recently, there has been a growing interest in combining melatonin with other substances, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
According to some studies, THC may interfere with melatonin production in the body, disrupting standard sleep patterns, but CBD may enhance melatonin's effects by working in synergy with it. For example, the National Library of Medicine found that CBD can aid several sleep disorders, including insomnia. It's an ideal pairing with melatonin. Still, to fully understand how melatonin interacts with cannabinoids, as well as determine effective and safe dosage rates, more research is necessary.
Cannabinoids and Melatonin: Putting It To the Test
Combining melatonin with cannabinoids such as delta 9, CBD, CBG, and CBN is a topic of interest in the supplement industry, as some proponents claim that it may offer additional benefits. However, the effects of combining melatonin with these substances still need to be better understood, and more research is needed. Here is a brief overview of the benefits and drawbacks of mixing melatonin with each of these cannabinoids:
- Delta 9: Delta 9 is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and some research has suggested that it may enhance the effects of melatonin in promoting sleep. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of combining delta 9 and melatonin.
- CBD: CBD is a non-psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and some studies have suggested that it may have a calming effect that could help to promote sleep. However, there is limited research on the results of combining CBD and melatonin, and more studies are needed to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of this combination fully.
- CBG: CBG is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid believed to have therapeutic potential for various health conditions. However, there needs to be more research on the effects of combining CBG and melatonin, and more studies are needed to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of this combination fully.
- CBN: CBN is a minor cannabinoid believed to have therapeutic potential for various health conditions, including sleep. Some research has suggested that CBN may enhance the effects of melatonin in promoting sleep. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of combining CBN and melatonin.
It's essential to keep in mind that melatonin and cannabinoids are both regulated differently, and combining them may have unexpected effects.
Will Melatonin Make You Fail A Drug Test?
There is no drug test for melatonin since it is not controlled. Melatonin is an all-natural hormone produced naturally in the body and is not classified as a drug. As such, there is no need for a drug test. For example, melatonin is widely available over the counter and is taken regularly by people to combat jet lag and insomnia without needing a prescription or drug test.
It is similar to how one can buy vitamins over the counter without a prescription or drug test; vitamins are naturally occurring and are essential to the body's health and functioning, but they are not classified as drugs and do not require testing. However, there are potential side effects of taking melatonin that may be cause for concern. These side effects include drowsiness, headaches, and nausea.
What Are the Safety Concerns When Combining Melatonin With Other Substances?
Mixing melatonin with other substances, including prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements, can increase the risk of interactions and side effects. Melatonin is a hormone, and when mixed with other substances, it can affect how the body processes them, which can lead to interactions, such as an increase in the effects of the other substances or side effects, such as nausea, headaches, or dizziness.
For instance, mixing melatonin with certain antidepressants can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially dangerous condition that can cause hyperthermia, high blood pressure, and other symptoms. According to a SleepFoundation.org survey, 27.4% of U.S. adults take supplemental melatonin as a sleep aid, meaning there is a fair chance many people do mix it with other substances.
Can You Take Melatonin with Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for pain relief and reducing inflammation. It can also be used to reduce fever and prevent blood clots. While taking melatonin and ibuprofen together is generally considered safe, it's always advisable to be wary before combining any medications.
Some studies have shown that NSAIDs can interfere with melatonin metabolism and reduce effectiveness because NSAIDs can inhibit the production of the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of melatonin. In addition, NSAIDs can decrease the absorption of melatonin from the gastrointestinal tract, which can further reduce its effectiveness.
Can You Take Melatonin with Benadryl Together?
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used for treating allergies and sleep difficulties. Taking melatonin and Benadryl together is generally considered safe, but it's imperative to be mindful of how they might interact. Some studies have shown that antihistamines can interfere with melatonin metabolism, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, This can be especially true in people already taking higher doses of melatonin, as the antihistamine can block the melatonin receptor sites, diminishing its effects.
Can You Take Melatonin with Antibiotics?
Melatonin supplements are not known to interact with antibiotics in a harmful way because melatonin is a hormone produced in the body and is not a drug. Therefore, it does not interact with other drugs in the same way that pharmaceuticals do. However, some antibiotics can interfere with the body's natural melatonin production.
Taking melatonin supplements may be necessary to maintain healthy melatonin levels, especially if the antibiotics are taken over a long period. Additionally, it is essential to speak with a healthcare professional about any potential interactions between melatonin supplements and antibiotic medications.
What Are the Benefits of Melatonin?
Melatonin has been widely studied for its role in regulating sleep patterns and improving sleep quality. Many people find that taking melatonin supplements helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, leading to better sleep quality. Additionally, melatonin has been shown to have antioxidant properties and may help treat jet lag and seasonal affective disorder.
For a complete list of the benefits of melatonin, see the table below:
|
Condition |
Benefit of Melatonin |
|---|---|
|
Nightly Sleep |
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Supplementing with melatonin can help reset the body’s internal clock and promote better sleep. |
|
Jet Lag |
Melatonin can help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag by resetting the body’s internal clock and reducing feelings of drowsiness or grogginess. |
|
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) |
Melatonin levels can be disrupted by changes in the seasons, which can lead to symptoms of SAD. Supplementing with melatonin can help regulate melatonin levels and reduce symptoms of SAD. |
|
Antioxidant |
Melatonin has antioxidant properties that may help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage. |
|
General Ailments |
Melatonin has been shown to have potential benefits for a range of other conditions, including reducing anxiety, improving mood, and reducing inflammation. |
Does Melatonin Have Risks?
As with any supplement you are taking, melatonin carries some risks. Some people may experience side effects such as dizziness, headache, or grogginess when taking melatonin. Additionally, taking high doses of melatonin can disrupt the body's natural production of the hormone and lead to dependence on the supplement. It's always best to discuss the benefits and risks of taking melatonin with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.
Studies, Research, & Academia: Learning More About Melatonin
The latest research studies on melatonin have shown a range of potential benefits for the hormone. However, it's important to note that while melatonin has potential benefits for these conditions, more research is needed to fully understand melatonin's effects and determine the optimal dosing for different situations.
With that being said, some of the most recent findings include the following:
- Insomnia: Studies have shown that melatonin supplementation can help improve insomnia symptoms, particularly for people who have trouble falling asleep.
- Jet Lag: Melatonin effectively reduces symptoms of jet lag according to some studies, such as drowsiness and grogginess, and reset the body's internal clock.
- Mood and Anxiety: Some studies have shown that melatonin supplementation can positively affect mood and may help reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Chronic Pain: Some researchers have found melatonin to have potential benefits for reducing chronic pain, particularly in people with conditions such as fibromyalgia.
- Sleep Quality: Melatonin has been shown to improve sleep quality in several studies, particularly for people who have trouble sleeping or experience disrupted sleep patterns.
Dozing Off: Final Thoughts on Melatonin
In conclusion, melatonin can be a helpful tool for improving sleep quality. Melatonin can also interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and birth control pills, and it can have side effects like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. However, it's wise to be mindful of potential interactions with other medications and to consider the risks associated with taking the supplement.
Taking melatonin can be compared to driving a car; while it can help you get where you need to go, you need to be aware of the risks of driving and the potential for accidents. In the same way, it’s essential to be mindful of the risks associated with taking melatonin and understand the potential interactions with other medications.
