How many 5mg melatonin can i take

Tossing and turning night after night can take a toll on your mental and physical health. This can make you feel sluggish, irritable, and achy throughout the day. So naturally you might seek a sleep aid for better rest. Some people see results with over-the-counter and prescription sleeping pills.

But before going down this path, consider a natural approach, like melatonin supplements. Melatonin is naturally produced by the pineal gland and gradually released into your bloodstream as you prepare for sleep. Melatonin supplements are generally safe when taken appropriately, but it is possible to overdo it. Read on to learn how to recognize a melatonin overdose. If you deal with insomnia , you might do anything for relief. But while side effects are less common with melatonin compared with other sleep aids, you may experience a few if you overdose and take too much.

But while overuse might not cause death, it can cause a few of the below symptoms: 3. Generally speaking, most people produce enough melatonin to sleep well. Melatonin needs vary from person to person. Since melatonin can have many effects on the body, like all drugs, it should be taken at the lowest dose possible, warns Dr.

With that being said, start with a low amount. Research has found that taking melatonin in low doses is the most effective way to promote sleep if you are experiencing restlessness or insomnia.

Recommended doses of melatonin are from 0. When melatonin is used at higher doses, it tends to increase daytime sleepiness. Other side effects of too much melatonin can include reduced focus and concentration, feeling chilled reduced body temperatures and higher prolactin levels.

The primary function of the prolactin hormone is to initiate lactation and enhance breast development. If you find yourself taking higher doses of melatonin, you can decrease the dose by cutting your tablet in half or in quarters. Research indicates there are no side effects if you reduce the dose of melatonin you are taking. Take it an hour to an hour and a half before bedtime for a restful sleep when you need it. Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that causes seizures.

Absence seizures, also called petit mal seizures, are brief and may not have noticeable…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Melatonin Overdose. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Recommended doses Symptoms Interactions Outlook Can you overdose on melatonin? So, yes, you can technically overdose on melatonin. How much melatonin should I take? Symptoms of melatonin overdose. What not to take with melatonin. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Is Melatonin Safe for Kids? A Look at the Evidence. Melatonin supplements can help counteract this effect. Research consistently shows that melatonin can help people sleep longer and fall asleep more quickly. A meta-analysis that included 1, study participants found that melatonin decreased the amount of time that it took the participants to fall asleep compared with a placebo. It also increased the duration of their sleep. Other research has suggested that melatonin can improve sleep in people with:.

The ideal dosage for melatonin varies from person to person. Various factors, such as body weight , metabolism, and overall health, may also influence the way that the body responds to melatonin.

A typical dose of melatonin is between 1 mg and 5 mg. It is best to take this about an hour before bed. People can try starting with a low dose and looking for any adverse side effects. They can then gradually increase the dose until their sleep improves, if necessary.

It is important not to take more than 5 mg unless a doctor recommends a higher dose. One of the most common side effects of melatonin is drowsiness. Some people may notice that they feel sleepy or groggy the morning after taking melatonin. Taking melatonin earlier in the evening or reducing the dose may help a person wake up feeling refreshed.

In some people with dementia , melatonin may trigger a bad mood. Although melatonin is a natural chemical, it is important to treat it the same as any other medication. It is possible for melatonin to interact harmfully with other drugs by reducing their effectiveness, triggering negative side effects, or changing the way that the body metabolizes the drug.

People who take other medications should talk to a doctor before trying melatonin. As with any medication, an allergic reaction is possible. People with a history of allergic reactions to supplements should avoid melatonin.