The Dark Side of Melatonin

Melatonin has earned its popular spot in medicine cabinets all around the country. It's inexpensive, easily accessible, and typically considered “safe” to take. Many people are drawn to it as a natural alternative to prescription sleep aids. But just because melatonin is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it’s risk-free.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to help regulate sleep. It’s released by the pineal gland, a tiny, pea-sized gland located in the brain. Melatonin levels naturally peak in childhood—around age 5—and gradually decline over time. By the time you’re 60, your melatonin production could be as low as 20% of what it once was.

Because sleep issues are so common, many people turn to melatonin supplements to help with falling asleep and staying asleep. Melatonin is available without a prescription and comes in many forms, including capsules, tablets, children’s gummies, adult gummies, and liquids. Over the past several years, it has become one of the most widely used “natural” sleep aids—especially for kids.

How Is Melatonin Affecting Adults and Children?

When sleep feels impossible, melatonin often seems like the easiest solution. For parents, a quick-fix sleep aid is tempting—after all, if the kids sleep, the whole household rests. But while melatonin can seem like a safe option, it’s not without risks.

In both adults and children, melatonin can cause side effects such as:

• Next-day drowsiness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Mood swings

In higher or frequent doses, melatonin can also:

• Disrupt hormonal balance

• Affect liver function (especially in men)

• Interfere with thermoregulation (body temperature control)

• Delay or disrupt puberty in children

• Alter menstrual cycles

Because melatonin is a hormone, its misuse or overuse can have real consequences, especially when taken regularly or without medical guidance.

Recent Research on Melatonin

According to a 2022 study by the Sleep Foundation, U.S. adults who take melatonin do so an average of 211 days per year—and 38.6% of adults take it daily.

The use of melatonin has increased 425% between 1999 and 2018.

Despite its popularity, melatonin supplements are not regulated by the FDA as strictly as medications. This lack of regulation means that many melatonin products don’t contain the amount of melatonin listed on the label.

A market analysis conducted in 2019 by Global Smart Sleep Tracking found:

• Some melatonin supplements contain 347% more melatonin than what’s listed on the label

• Only 12% of products had melatonin levels within 10% of what was advertised

• Over 71% of melatonin supplements had at least a 10% variation in dosage

• One product had 478% more melatonin than advertised

This kind of inconsistency can be dangerous, especially for children and people taking other medications.

What Happens to Your Body When You Take Melatonin?

The effects of melatonin can vary based on your age, gender, and how long you’ve been taking it. Many adults report changes in sleep quality and energy levels within a week of starting melatonin. However, over time, using melatonin nightly can actually disrupt your natural sleep cycle.

Even though melatonin isn’t classified as addictive, it can create a psychological dependency, making it hard to fall asleep without it. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or sleep disturbances as your body tries to reset its own natural rhythms.

Melatonin should be used with caution—especially if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Use birth control pills

• Have an autoimmune condition

• Are undergoing dialysis

• Are taking blood pressure medication

A Safer, More Effective Alternative to Melatonin

At Sol Nutrition, we believe in addressing the root cause of sleep issues—not just masking them.

Our Sleep Deeply supplement is a doctor-formulated herbal blend that helps your body naturally produce melatonin instead of supplying a synthetic dose. This balanced approach supports your body’s sleep-wake cycle without interfering with your hormones or leaving you groggy the next morning.

Unlike traditional melatonin pills, Sleep Deeply:

• Supports natural melatonin production

• Promotes a regulated sleep cycle

• Won’t cause next-day drowsiness

• Helps you relax without sedation

• Works gently with your body, not against it

Whether you're struggling to fall asleep at night or relax during the day, Sleep Deeply gently guides your body into a state of rest—without forcing it.

The Bottom Line

If you’re experiencing sleep challenges, it’s okay to look for help. Start by creating a healthier sleep environment: reduce screen time before bed, stick to a routine, and try calming nighttime rituals like herbal tea or meditation.

If you're still struggling, consider a natural solution that supports your body—like Sleep Deeply. And if you’re thinking about taking melatonin regularly, especially for your children, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider first.

For more sleep tips and wellness support, check out our blog and discover how Sol Nutrition can help you achieve restful, balanced sleep—naturally.