Unexpected Side Effects of Melatonin

8. Disrupted Sleep Cycles

While melatonin is associated with getting to sleep, the evidence that it helps people stay asleep is less consistent. A person taking melatonin may find it disrupts their natural sleep cycle, making them sleep later in the day or become drowsy at different times.

Many people take melatonin to help with jet lag and may find that they struggle to get back into their typical routine upon returning home. The risk of disrupted sleeping patterns is especially strong for people who already have an irregular sleep schedule, like shift or night workers.