Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Melatonin is commonly referred to as the “sleep hormone.” The brain produces this chemical, which helps regulate the body’s internal clock or sleep-wake cycle.
  • Melatonin’s effects aren’t isolated to sleep. Research suggests it may affect blood sugar levels, which people with diabetes must understand before adding it to their treatment plan.
  • Studies about melatonin and diabetes have mixed outcomes. On the beneficial side, it may slightly reduce fasting insulin levels and improve insulin resistance. On the downside, it may cause temporary spikes, especially when taken near mealtimes.
  • People with diabetes can still take melatonin safely, but only under their doctor’s guidance to minimize the side effects and potential interactions.
  • Some common side effects of melatonin include drowsiness, nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea.

For many people living with diabetes, sleep issues have become another health concern to address. Blood sugar fluctuations lead to increased thirst and frequent urination at night, which disrupts their rest. Many reach for melatonin supplements to ease sleepless nights, but the question is, can people with diabetes take melatonin safely?

Studies on melatonin and diabetes have produced mixed findings. While widely available over the counter and generally safe to use, those with diabetes must be cautious when using this supplement because it may interact with other medications. Find out when melatonin can be safe to take for people with diabetes, its potential side effects, and lifestyle-based approaches to improve insomnia-filled nights.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin is commonly known as the “sleep hormone.” It’s a chemical your brain produces in response to darkness, helping to regulate your circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle.

The body has an internal clock that responds to environmental cues, especially light. Levels of melatonin naturally rise in the evening in the absence of light and drop in the morning, helping your body sync with day and night.

Exposure to bright light in the evening — such as the blue light emitted by screens — can disrupt melatonin release, often leading to sleep disturbances. That’s why doctors recommend that people with diabetes who are prone to sleep issues adopt good sleep hygiene, such as banning phones in bed, to help the brain relax.

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The Link Between Melatonin and Diabetes

Research suggests melatonin’s role extends beyond sleep. Can melatonin affect blood sugar? Health experts say it can, although the connection isn’t clear. While you most likely heard of melatonin as the “sleep hormone,” its benefits and risks may reach far beyond bedtime.

The effect of melatonin on blood sugar levels is complex. There are also polarized speculations about the topic, with some people believing that melatonin has a positive impact on blood glucose, while others think otherwise. For this reason, personalized treatment is crucial if you want to add melatonin to your treatment plan.

If you have diabetes and have been struggling with insomnia, your doctor will help assess whether taking melatonin is beneficial.

How Does Melatonin Affect Blood Sugar?

Medical worker checking blood glucose levels of senior man with a glucose meter.

Based on studies, melatonin affects blood sugar in both negative and positive ways.

One study found that melatonin may be good for people with diabetes. A meta-analysis published in PubMed, which reviewed several studies, found that taking melatonin supplements had little to no effect on fasting glucose levels and HbA1c in people with metabolic diseases.

However, it slightly lowered fasting insulin levels and improved insulin resistance, although these positive changes weren’t strong enough to be considered statistically reliable. Ultimately, the authors concluded that further research was needed to establish the benefits of melatonin on blood sugar levels.

Melatonin may be bad for people with diabetes because it can impair blood sugar control, especially when taken before meals. One study involved 21 healthy women who took 5 g of melatonin followed by 75 g of glucose twice daily, at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Researchers found that taking melatonin in the morning increased blood sugar levels by 186% and peak blood sugar levels by 21%. For the evening results, blood sugar levels shot up by 54%, while peak blood sugar levels were 27% higher. In the morning, melatonin reduced glucose tolerance by disrupting insulin release. In the evening, it decreased insulin sensitivity.

Although both findings have merit, further studies remain largely contradictory. Overall, melatonin may offer a slight benefit for metabolic health; however, it’s best to consult your doctor first.

Can People With Diabetes Take Melatonin Safely?

The short answer is, it depends. Since studies have yielded mixed conclusions, consulting your doctor is the safest way to receive personalized treatment. They can help decide whether melatonin is the right supplement to address your sleep issues or whether another sleep aid is a safer option. They’ll review your medical history, lifestyle habits, and other health-related factors before deciding which solution to prescribe.

In brief, melatonin may be safe for individuals with diabetes, provided it is used under a doctor’s supervision and with careful monitoring.

Potential Side Effects of Melatonin in People With Diabetes

Some potential side effects that people with diabetes may experience when taking melatonin are:

Possible Spikes in Blood Sugar

As the study above suggests, taking melatonin supplements near mealtimes may temporarily increase your blood sugar levels. This can cause a range of mild symptoms of a blood sugar spike, including fatigue, frequent urination, blurred vision, and increased thirst.

Hormonal Effects From Reduced Insulin Sensitivity

Based on the evidence discussed previously, taking melatonin close to a meal may reduce insulin sensitivity. A blunted insulin response may result in weight gain, menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, hirsutism, and acne in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Reduced Blood Pressure

A study published in the American Heart Association Journals found that men with untreated hypertension who took 2.5 mg of oral melatonin daily for three weeks reduced their systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mmHg and 4 mmHg, respectively.

Although this is a positive side benefit, people with diabetes taking antihypertensives could be at an elevated risk of hypotension or severe low blood pressure if they take melatonin. Make sure you inform your doctor of every medication you take to prevent this drug interaction.

Taking melatonin may also increase the risk of common side effects, including:

    • Drowsiness
    • Nausea
    • Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea
    • Headache

While melatonin doesn’t require a prescription, never take it without consulting your doctor to determine if it will affect your blood sugar levels.

Potential Interactions: What to Watch For

Melatonin may interact with the following drugs:

    • Antidiabetes medications: Using melatonin with antidiabetic drugs might lead to brief spikes in blood sugar levels.
    • Anticoagulants: Taking a sleep hormone might increase the risk of bleeding.
    • Anticonvulsants: Melatonin might reduce the effectiveness of drugs that prevent seizures.
    • Blood pressure drugs: Melatonin may increase the risk of hypotension.
    • Contraceptives: It might increase the sedative effects and worsen drowsiness, nausea, and other common side effects of melatonin.
    • Immunosuppressants: It may counteract the effect of immunosuppressants.

Report any comorbidities or drugs you’re taking to your doctor. Evaluating potential interactions is crucial in developing a comprehensive treatment plan.

When to Talk to a Doctor About Melatonin Use

Doctor speaking with patient

People with diabetes require medical guidance when adding melatonin to their routine. Talk to your doctor about melatonin use if:

    • Your blood sugar levels fluctuate despite taking antidiabetic medications.
    • You’re taking oral and injectable diabetes drugs.
    • You’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
    • You have diabetes comorbidities, such as PCOS, heart conditions, or high blood pressure.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor during your check-up.

    • Is melatonin safe for my type of diabetes?
    • How long can I take it safely?
    • What dose is best for me?
    • When is the best time to take melatonin to prevent interactions?
    • How should I monitor my blood sugar after taking melatonin?

Monitor your symptoms as soon as you start taking the supplement. If you experience nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects, note their frequency and duration. This will help your doctor decide whether to adjust your treatment plan or recommend another sleep aid.

Practical Tips for Using Melatonin Safely With Diabetes

If your doctor prescribes melatonin, here are some tips to use the medication thoughtfully.

  • Start small: If the lowest dose works for you, ask your doctor if you can stick to it. Lower doses mean lower risk of side effects.
  • Monitor for side effects: Take note of your symptoms and changes in your blood sugar levels, so you can report them to your doctor on your next check-up.
  • Stay consistent: Follow your doctor’s recommended dosing schedule. Add a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss a dose.
  • Get medical guidance: Seek professional advice before making any modifications to your treatment plan.

Even though melatonin is available over the counter, people with diabetes must only use it under their doctor’s supervision.

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Alternative Sleep Aids for People with Diabetes

If melatonin is not an option, your doctor may suggest lifestyle-based approaches to improve your sleep. The best thing about these natural methods is that they don’t cause any adverse reactions. They’re also easy to integrate into your routines. Below are some strategies.

  • Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

    The goal is to create an environment that promotes rest. Some of the things you can do are to stop using screens at least an hour before bedtime and engage in a less cognitively stimulating activity, such as reading a book or journaling. Use blackout curtains to keep your room dark and maintain a comfortable room temperature.

  • Avoid Drinking Caffeine Late in the Day

    Caffeine has a half-life of five hours. In other words, if you drink a cup of Americano by 4 p.m., after five hours, at 9 p.m., half of the amount of caffeine you consumed is still circulating in your body, which can cause insomnia. Cut off coffee or tea at around 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. If you want to enjoy a cup of hot drink, opt for herbal tea, such as ginger or peppermint.

  • Try Relaxation Techniques

    Gentle stretching, deep breathing, or meditation can help activate the parasympathetic system, also known as the “rest and digest” state. Engaging in relaxing activities lowers stress, eases muscle tension, and slows your heart rate, priming your body for rest. Try aromatherapy, listening to slow music, meditation, or any other method that calms your body and mind at night.

  • Exercise Regularly

    Regular exercise has several health benefits. Not only does it lower HbA1c levels, but it also improves sleep in many ways. For example, exercising outdoors in the morning, where your eyes are exposed to sunlight, helps synchronize your body’s internal clock. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week also helps relieve stress and boost your mood, which in turn promotes better sleep. Try swimming, dancing, or other enjoyable activities to stay active.

These natural sleep aids for people with diabetes can help them achieve better sleep.

Should People With Diabetes Take Melatonin?

People often turn to melatonin pills if they can’t sleep at night. While useful and generally safe to use, people living with diabetes must first consult their doctor if they want to add melatonin to their treatment plan. That’s because it might interact with other medications they’re taking.

Studies on melatonin and diabetes have yielded mixed results. Therefore, it’s best to discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider to be aware of the associated risks. If melatonin is not an option, they may recommend lifestyle-based strategies to promote sleep. These may include relaxation techniques, exercise, and good sleep habits.

In conclusion, people with diabetes can take melatonin, but they should work closely with their doctor to monitor the side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s no standard melatonin dosage for people with diabetes. However, doctors may initially recommend the lowest dose and see how the body responds. They may increase the dose if needed.

Melatonin may affect blood sugar levels in both positive and negative ways. As indicated in the study above, it may slightly improve insulin resistance. On the downside, taking melatonin close to mealtimes may increase blood sugar levels. Studies on melatonin and diabetes have yielded contrasting findings, so it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to receive personalized health advice.

Yes, as highlighted in the study above, taking melatonin may lower blood sugar levels by lowering fasting insulin levels and improving insulin resistance. Still, more research is required to get a comprehensive understanding of how melatonin truly affects blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Due to insufficient research on this topic, it’s unclear whether melatonin raises blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. What is currently known is that people with type 1 diabetes have considerably lower melatonin levels than healthy individuals. For this reason, some doctors may prescribe supplementation only after it has been proven safe and effective.

Melatonin can be safe for many people with diabetes, provided the doctor approves its use as a supplement. Lifestyle-based approaches, such as exercise and relaxation techniques, are the safest sleep aids because they don’t cause side effects.

Melatonin gummies often contain added sugar, which may raise blood glucose levels. People with diabetes should talk to their doctor before taking any gummies.