- With Mayo Clinic internist
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
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Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
Brent Bauer, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine. He is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine and director of the Department of Internal Medicine's Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Bauer, a native of Madison, Wis., is also an associate professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School and a graduate of Mayo Medical School.
He serves on the editorial board of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter and EmbodyHealth Newsletter and has been with Mayo Clinic since 1992, first practicing at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., before joining Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., in 1996.
Dr. Bauer's principal research focus is the scientific evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies that patients and consumers are using with increasing frequency. He has authored several book chapters and papers on this topic, and is the medical editor of the "Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine." Dr. Bauer also spearheaded a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Gaiam in the creation of a series of 10 DVDs (Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions). These DVDs address common health problems (for example, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure) with integrative medicine approaches that empower people to take charge of their health.
Dr. Bauer is a member of NIH-NCCAM study section and is currently collaborating on over 20 studies being conducted at Mayo Clinic evaluating CAM therapies ranging from acupuncture to valerian. He is also a member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society; the American Federation for Medical Research; the North Central Cancer Treatment Group and other professional organizations.
Causes (1)
- Late-day exercise: Can it cause insomnia?
Treatments and drugs (2)
- Ambien: Is dependence a concern?
- Sleep aids: Can antihistamines help me sleep?
Lifestyle and home remedies (6)
- Sleep guidelines: How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Foods that help you sleep: Does warm milk really work?
- Insomnia: How do I stay asleep?
- see all in Lifestyle and home remedies
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Question
Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?
I'm considering taking melatonin to help me sleep. What do I need to know about melatonin side effects?
Answer
from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.
The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle. Your natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest just before bedtime. But if you're thinking of taking melatonin supplements to treat insomnia, there's little evidence that taking melatonin supplements will help you fall asleep significantly faster or help you stay asleep longer. However, melatonin may be helpful in treating jet lag.
If you choose to take melatonin supplements, melatonin side effects may include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Abdominal discomfort
- Confusion
- Sleepwalking
- Nightmares
Melatonin may interact with various medications, including:
- Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)
- Immunosuppressants
- Diabetes medications
- Birth control pills
It's thought that taking melatonin for longer than two months may be harmful, and the best dose of melatonin isn't certain. If you take melatonin, be careful during daytime activities, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin, especially if you have any other health conditions.
If you take melatonin, make sure the supplements are made of artificial ingredients, not made from animals. Melatonin from animals can contain viruses or other contaminants.
Next questionSleep apnea and caffeine: Any connection?
- Melatonin. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com/. Accessed Aug. 11, 2009.
- Melatonin. American Family Physician. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/258.html. Accessed Aug. 11, 2009.
- Brzezinski A, et al. Effects of exogenous melatonin on sleep: A meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2005;9:41.
- Buscemi N, et al. Efficacy and safety of exogenous melatonin for secondary sleep disorders and sleep disorders accompanying sleep restriction: Meta-analysis. British Medical Journal. 2006;332:385.
