Health Experts Issue Urgent Warning as Melatonin Side Eff...

Health experts worldwide have issued a stark warning regarding the "terrifying" surge in melatonin use and its associated side effects. This comes as the popular sleep aid, often perceived as harmless, is increasingly linked to adverse health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.

The alarm was raised following reports detailing a significant rise in accidental melatonin ingestions and poison control calls, especially involving children. Doctors are expressing serious concerns over the widespread, unsupervised consumption of the hormone.

A primary concern stems from the inconsistent regulation of melatonin supplements in many regions, including the United States. This lack of stringent oversight means products often contain dosages vastly different from what is advertised on their labels.

Users have reported a range of side effects, from common issues like headaches, dizziness, and nausea to more severe reactions. These include confusion, irritability, and even abnormally low blood pressure, challenging the supplement's benign reputation.

Children and adolescents are particularly at risk, with experts cautioning that melatonin use could interfere with natural hormonal development. The long-term safety profile for these age groups remains largely unstudied and unknown.

Despite these growing health warnings, the global market for melatonin continues to expand rapidly. This growth is fueled by increasing awareness of sleep disorders and a public inclination towards readily available, over-the-counter sleep solutions.

Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the brain to regulate sleep-wake cycles, is widely available as a synthetic supplement. Its use has seen a significant increase, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, as more individuals seek solutions for sleep disturbances. However, this surge in self-medication often occurs without proper medical guidance.
The regulatory landscape for melatonin varies dramatically across the globe. In the United States, it is classified as a dietary supplement, meaning it bypasses the rigorous testing and approval processes required for pharmaceutical drugs by the FDA. This contrasts sharply with countries like the UK, EU, and Australia, where melatonin is a prescription-only medication.
A critical issue highlighted by health experts is the alarming inaccuracy in melatonin supplement dosages. Studies have shown that the actual melatonin content in products can range from significantly less to over 400% more than stated on the label. Some products have even been found to contain undeclared substances, including serotonin, posing serious health risks.
The rise in accidental melatonin ingestions among children is a grave concern. Poison control centers have reported a substantial increase in calls related to pediatric melatonin exposures, with thousands of children requiring emergency room visits. Experts worry about the potential for melatonin to disrupt normal hormonal development during childhood and adolescence.
While often considered mild, melatonin's side effects can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, stomach cramps, and daytime drowsiness. More serious effects, especially with higher doses or interactions with other medications, can involve confusion, irritability, tremors, and dangerously low blood pressure. The long-term safety of chronic melatonin use, particularly in high doses, remains largely unresearched.
Health professionals strongly advise against the unsupervised use of melatonin, especially for children and adolescents. They recommend consulting a healthcare provider before starting any melatonin regimen to determine appropriate dosages and rule out underlying sleep disorders. The emphasis is on short-term, low-dose use, if medically indicated.
Despite the growing health warnings, the melatonin market continues its robust expansion, projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years. This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of sleep health and a preference for "natural" alternatives to traditional sleep medications, often overlooking the regulatory gaps and potential risks.
Recent actions by regulatory bodies underscore the global nature of these concerns. For instance, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued warnings in October 2025 about imported melatonin products, citing significant variability in dosages. Similarly, the UK's MHRA warned in August 2025 about undeclared melatonin in children's magnesium gummies, highlighting the dangers of unregulated supplements.