What are the short and long term effects of taking melatonin for sleep?
Are there any side-effects? According to one report, “10 percent of the users said the hormone did nothing for them, and another 10 percent complained of side effects such as nightmares, headaches, morning groginess, mild depression, and low sex drive. In past studies, researchers have given people up to 600 to 3,000 times the usual doses – without causing any toxicity.” What additional benefits are there and how reliable are these claims? “In test-tube and animal experiments, researchers have found that it protects cells, strengthens the immune system and slows the growth of some tumors.” Tests with laboratory mice suggest that melatonin might also reduce the effects of aging – but remember, these results are very preliminary. “…Some experts are appalled to see so many people toying with such a potent hormone. One concern is that high doses, while causing no immediate harm, could have unknown long-term effects. ‘Even one milligram, the smallest commercially available dose, is at lea
