I’ve been taking melatonin in small doses, just half of a 3mg pill occasionally. It helps me fall asleep quicker, but I’ve noticed I’ve been waking up earlier than necessary and struggling to fall back asleep. Additionally, I’ve been experiencing more vivid, creepy dreams that are quite unsettling. It’s currently 2:40am, and I’ve been awake for almost an hour due to a disturbing dream. Living alone with my two cats, these feelings of unease are amplified. I’m wondering if these experiences could be related to my melatonin use? To help calm down and hopefully get some sleep before work, I just took 0.5mg of Clonazepam. Really starting to dislike melatonin!
I can relate! My dreams were pretty intense while I was on melatonin. I stopped taking it, and even though it’s a bit tougher to fall asleep now, I feel a lot better overall.
I also experience strange dreams when I restart melatonin after not using it for a while. It usually stabilizes after a few nights, though. My dose is usually around 1mg.
My partner and I both have noticed this effect.
I avoid melatonin because it tends to give me nightmares. My dreams are already vivid enough without it.
It might be the valerian root mixed in some melatonin supplements. Try checking your bottle; if it’s there, that could be causing the vivid dreams.
Brice said:
It might be the valerian root mixed in some melatonin supplements. Try checking your bottle; if it’s there, that could be causing the vivid dreams.
I’ll check, but I don’t believe my melatonin includes valerian root.
Experiencing nightmares can be a side effect of taking too much melatonin.
Macon said:
Experiencing nightmares can be a side effect of taking too much melatonin.
That’s surprising since I’ve been quite conservative with my dosage, only half a 3mg tablet most days, occasionally skipping.
@Cameron
You might not actually need it, which could explain the side effects.
Macon said:
@Cameron
You might not actually need it, which could explain the side effects.
You’re probably right. It started as a bedtime routine, and I assumed it was harmless and only beneficial.
@Cameron
Maybe switch to a non-herbal nighttime tea that doesn’t contain valerian. Traditional Medicinals has some good options.
Definitely. I have intense dreams when I take melatonin, but I find it helps overall.