Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone in the body, helps in the transition from day to night. Melatonin, a component of the circadian rhythm, is essential for having a good night’s sleep. Melatonin is naturally produced in the human body. Normal melatonin levels, on the other hand, decline with age. Melatonin can be made synthetically and used as a supplement to treat jet lag, anxiety, and other sleeping problems. Melatonin supplements are commonly accessible over the counter in pill, patch, liquid, and chewable tablet forms. Melatonin supplements, like other drugs and supplements, have an expiration date. The manufacturer provides expiration dates to indicate when the medication’s full efficacy and safety can no longer be assured. Expired Melatonin and other medicines should not be used after the expiration date has passed.

What Is the Function of Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain in reaction to darkness. Its primary function is to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm in order to manage its natural sleep cycle, so it’s frequently used as a remedy to combat sleeping issues such as insomnia, jet lag, or irregular sleeping patterns, where research has proven that it reduces the time required to fall asleep and advances the start of sleep in adults and children with this condition, and it may reduce evening confusion and restlessness in people with Alzheimer’s disease, though without improving cognitive decline. But the advantages of Melatonin are not limited to sleep. According to recent research, it is good for the following:

Eye Health

Melatonin, which is high in antioxidants, can help prevent cell damage and keep the eyes healthy. The Melatonin synthesized in the eye is thought to be involved in the regulation of several critical retinal activities. According to one specialist, it lowers intraocular pressure, enhances retinal ganglion cell activity in glaucoma, and has the possibility of being used as a treatment for dry eye.

Human Growth Hormone Increase

According to one study, Melatonin stimulates growth hormone release via routes other than the growth hormone-releasing hormone. Another study on hamsters discovered that consuming Melatonin for 10 weeks resulted in a rise in serum IGF-I levels, which was interpreted as a consequence of increased GH release.

Melatonin may Help in the Treatment of GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing symptoms including belching, heartburn, and nausea. According to several studies, oral Melatonin could become a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of GERD because it can block the secretion of stomach acids and reduce the production of nitric oxide, preventing stomach acid from entering the esophagus because the compound relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the acid to backflow.

Side Effects of Melatonin

Melatonin is typically safe; however, some people may have the following mild side effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Drowsiness

Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery within five hours after taking any melatonin supplement since it might cause drowsiness. Some less-known melatonin side effects include fatigue, mild tremor, anxiety, abdominal cramps, irritability, reduced alertness, confusion, or disorientation. Melatonin can potentially interact with pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants, blood thinners, and blood pressure meds. Those contemplating using melatonin supplements should visit their healthcare professionals beforehand to address any potential risks to their health.

What Happens to Expired Medication?

A 2001 research by the American Medical Association (AMA) discovered that 88 percent of 122 drug products were still potent 66 months (approximately 5 and a half years) after their printed expiration date. Nevertheless, the AMA does not advocate that people use these results as a reason to continue taking pharmaceuticals and supplements after their expiration dates because various elements (e.g., drug preservatives, temperature, humidity, light, etc.) in the medicine’s storage might impact its real shelf life. In summary, it’s far better to just follow the expiration date. Regardless of the manufacturer’s stated expiration date, once a medicine approaches its expiration date, its efficacy begins to deteriorate. If one tablet of paracetamol contains enough active ingredients to adequately relieve fever and bodily pain, it will no longer do so once it has expired. When it comes to supplements, a pill of vitamin C will not give you the number of vitamins you require for the day.

What Happens If You Use Expired Melatonin?

While many supplements have a lengthy shelf life and Melatonin is mostly safe, consuming expired Melatonin may not be harmful. Expiration dates are chosen by medication and supplement makers to guarantee that you receive full potency by the printed date. These dates are often conservative. It is possible that your melatonin supplement will retain its potency after the expiration date listed on the package. However, using expired Melatonin is not advised. The melatonin supplements you buy should have an expiration date and storage recommendations listed on the label. Melatonin supplements that are reaching their expiration date may not make you feel as sleepy or drowsy. If this is the case, your Melatonin may be losing its effectiveness. After melatonin supplements have expired, they must be discarded and replaced.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can pregnant and breastfeeding women take melatonin supplements?

Melatonin is generally thought to be safe. There is currently inadequate evidence on the safety of melatonin use in pregnant or nursing women. They should discuss with their healthcare professionals before using any supplement if they wish to try it.

Is it safe for kids?

Melatonin supplements appear to be safe for children with sleeping disorders in the short term, although further study into their impact on children is required. A few negative effects have been observed, including headaches, bedwetting, drowsiness, and nausea.

Is it safe to use on the elderly?

Melatonin is the preferred pharmaceutical choice for the majority of older people. Nevertheless, in 2015, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine issued guidelines cautioning people with dementia against using Melatonin.

Conclusion

Melatonin supplements can help in the treatment of short-term sleep issues such as jet lag and shift work. It’s best to consume Melatonin before its expiration date to get the most out of it. Melatonin that has expired is not hazardous to the body, although it may be less effective. Melatonin has a shelf life of one to three years; however, this might vary depending on factors such as how it is stored and the delivery type used. To maximize the advantages and potency of supplements, it’s best to use them before their expiration date. If you found this article interesting, you might also want to read our blog on causes of headache after message.