Sleep is an essential process for the body to repair itself, but the excruciating pain of cluster headaches can disrupt sleep. Cluster headaches are a severe type of headache that cause significant pain, typically on one side of the head, which may radiate to the eye, teeth or jaw. People with cluster headaches may also experience a runny nose or watery eye on the affected side. The condition is so severe that using more than one type of medication may be necessary to manage the pain. Some supplements, such as melatonin, may also be used to prevent an attack of cluster headaches.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body that adjusts the cycle of sleep. The body naturally has an internal clock that regulates the need for sleep every day. Melatonin maintains this rhythm by controlling the timing of sleep. The pineal gland produces melatonin in greater amounts when it is dark and in lesser amounts when it is light. For those who have trouble sleeping or who work night shifts and must sleep during daylight hours, melatonin production may be lower.
Sleep
Cluster headaches often begin just before going to bed or during sleep. Once asleep, the pain may begin during the early rapid-eye-movement stage. A 2005 study in the "American Family Physician" suggests that a disruption in circadian rhythm may be related to headache development. Additionally, people with disrupted sleep patterns, such as those with sleep apnea, may be more likely to have cluster headaches. Melatonin supplements may be used as a preventive measure for these headaches.
Supplements
Although melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body, it is also available in supplement form. These supplements are offered without a prescription, but there is not one recommended dose for everyone. According to a 2005 article in "U.S. Neurology Review," a dose of 10mg of melatonin may be effective in preventing attacks of cluster headaches, both during sleep and in the daytime. Additionally, melatonin may be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy for reducing the incidence of cluster headaches.
Considerations
While melatonin is available over the counter, talk with your doctor before taking this type of treatment for cluster headaches. Your physician can help you determine if the melatonin will interact with any other medications you may be taking, whether they are for cluster headaches or another medical condition. Melatonin has few side effects, but some people have reported feeling sleepy, and some have disrupted sleep cycles when taking this supplement on a regular basis.
