Certain factors, such as stress, food choices and exercise, lead to blood pressure changes throughout the day. However, elevated blood pressure over the long term can disrupt your blood vessel health and increase your risk for disease and illness. Melatonin, a hormone released by the brain, taken in supplement form, can help lower nocturnal hypertension, or high blood pressure at night. Consult your health care provider before taking melatonin supplements.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates your biological clock. During darkness or a decrease in light, your body releases melatonin to slow down all metabolic activity and prepare you for sleep. Melatonin is often used to reduce jet lag and may be helpful for those with sleep disorders, according to MayoClinic.com. Moreover, melatonin might have a positive effect on those suffering from nocturnal hypertension.
Nocturnal Hypertension
Nocturnal hypertension increases your risk for sleep apnea, organ damage and cardiovascular mortality. Researchers at the Sackler School of Medicine investigated the impact of melatonin supplementation on hypertensive patients with nocturnal hypertension. Participants were assigned to receive 2 mg of melatonin or a placebo two hours before bedtime for four weeks. Scientists reported in the October 2006 issue of the "American Journal of Medicine" that those in the melatonin group significantly reduced their nocturnal blood pressure compared with those in the placebo group.
Melatonin Before Bedtime
Similar findings were seen in another study published in the February 2004 issue of "Hypertension." Scientists at the Netherlands Institute for Brain Research assigned male patients with nocturnal hypertension either 2.5 mg of melatonin or a placebo one hour before bedtime for three weeks. They observed that those in the melatonin group experienced significant reductions in nocturnal blood pressure compared with those in the placebo group.
Side Effects and Interactions
Melatonin supplementation may cause side effects including irritability, fatigue and headache. In addition, if you are using warfarin or any other blood thinning medications, speak to your health care provider before taking melatonin, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Melatonin
- "American Journal of Medicine"; Melatonin Reduces Night Blood Pressure in Patients With Nocturnal Hypertension; E. Grossman, et al.; October 2006
- "Hypertension"; Daily Nighttime Melatonin Reduces Blood Pressure in Male Patients With Essential Hypertension; F.A. Scheer, et al.; February 2004
- MayoClinic.com: Melatonin Safety
