Mayo Clinic Minute: What to consider before using melatonin supplements for sleep [p3hKflglrOi]

Mayo Clinic Minute: What to consider before using melatonin supplements for sleep [p3hKflglrOi]

| 1h 28m 28s | Video has closed captioning.

Dr. Naima Covassin says melatonin is not a sleep promoter. It's a circadian rhythm regulator that can help "reset our clocks" when sleep is difficult due to circadian disruption from things like shift work, jet lag or disorders that interfere with the time of sleep. Not only are more people using melatonin supplements, they're taking higher doses than the typically recommended maximum dose of 5 or fewer milligrams. Serious side effects include worsening of seizures; changes in heart rate and blood pressure; decrease in glucose tolerance; and possible drug interactions for people taking medications for seizure disorders, antidepressants and blood thinners. That's why Dr. Covassin's best recommendation is to talk with your provider. ____________________________________________ For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed. FOR THE PUBLIC: More health and medical news on the Mayo Clinic News Network. FOR THE MEDIA ONLY: Register at to access clean and nat sound versions of this video on the Mayo Clinic News Network. Mayo Clinic Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram: Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook: Follow Mayo Clinic on Twitter: