Since 2020, melatonin has been available over-the-counter at pharmacies, and sales have increased significantly since then. Earlier this fall, a study on melatonin and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease received a lot of attention. But these results should not be taken too seriously, says Johan Reutfors, a psychiatrist and associate professor at the Center for Drug Epidemiology at Karolinska Institutet, who studies the use of sleep medications.
That study has not yet been published in any journal and has not been reviewed by other researchers, he says.
Does not cause addiction
Previous studies have not seen that connection. It may be that melatonin increases the risk of heart failure, but it may also be that some people who take the medication have an increased risk of heart problems for other reasons.
Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. No serious side effects have been seen with short-term use.
Melatonin is much milder than other sleep medications and does not lead to physical dependence. It is positive that use of other, addictive sleep medications is decreasing, he says.
As an over-the-counter medicine, it is approved for adults for short-term use for jet lag, i.e., for occasional use.
But studies show that many people use it for sleep problems in general and for longer periods.
"When a medicine is readily available at pharmacies, it is easy to assume it is safe to use often. But if melatonin is needed for other sleep problems, it should be prescribed by a doctor. In that case, it should be used to support breaking a pattern of sleep problems and together with other measures," says Elin Kimland at the Swedish Medical Products Agency.
Not for healthy children
Melatonin can also be prescribed by doctors to children and young people with ADHD who have sleep problems. However, the Swedish Medical Products Agency does not recommend that otherwise healthy children use melatonin for sleep problems. The hormone has not been studied sufficiently in clinical studies in this group.
"We don't know in the long term how it affects growing children. We also don't know how the body reacts if melatonin is used for a long time," says Elin Kimland.
Johan Reutfors also says that it is important to understand what may be behind the sleep problems. The well-known tips for many, such as keeping regular bedtimes and wake times, having a cool room and not staying in bed when you're not asleep, are recommended. Good nutrition and exercise are also recommended.
It may seem a bit simplistic, but it often has a good effect. A sleep diary can also be useful; there are some online with explanations of how to use them.
Petra Hedbom/TT
Facts: The body's own sleep hormone
TT
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain. The secretion of melatonin is affected by light, and melatonin levels are higher at night and lower during the day. The hormone is of great importance in regulating the circadian rhythm.
Melatonin can be purchased over the counter for short-term treatment of jet lag in adults.
Source: 1177
