Melatonin & Headache

The hormone melatonin develops naturally in the body and is primarily responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. It is also available in synthetic form as a supplement with a wide variety of theorized uses, some supported by research. One possible benefit of melatonin supplements is preventing and treating headaches. Consult a qualified health care provider before taking melatonin supplements.

Functions

Melatonin maintains the body's circadian rhythm, which is like an internal 24-hour clock, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your body should produce more melatonin at night when it's dark, and less during daylight hours. Some people find that melatonin supplements are helpful for insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns. Based on current research, MedlinePlus, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, rates melatonin as likely effective or possibly effective for different types of sleep problems. Melatonin also may be helpful for people prone to certain types of headaches.

Types

MedlinePlus rates melatonin as likely effective for reducing the number of cluster headaches in people experiencing this condition. Insufficient evidence is available to rate melatonin supplements for migraine headaches or for idiopathic stabbing headaches, which involve sudden sharp pain, advises MedlinePlus. However, some evidence indicates that taking melatonin before bed each night may prevent episodic migraine headache, or make the headaches milder and of shorter duration.

Melatonin Irregularities

Some research indicates that people with certain types of headaches have irregularities in their natural melatonin production. A study published in the April-June 2008 issue of "Functional Neurology," for example, found abnormalities in plasma melatonin levels of people experiencing chronic migraines, chronic tension-type headaches and cluster headaches.

Circadian Irregularity

An article published in the August 2001 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review" tells of several studies finding that migraine sufferers who took melatonin supplements experienced pain relief, and some had reduced recurrence of headaches. Melatonin could be especially useful for migraines and other headaches connected with delayed sleep phase syndrome. Research supports the theory that migraines are associated with circadian irregularity, and that taking melatonin normalizes the circadian cycle, according to the authors. In addition, research has found melatonin to be safe and to cause few or no side effects for people with migraines.

Side Effects

Although melatonin may be helpful for certain types of headaches, headache is a possible side effect of melatonin, according to MedlinePlus. In addition, melatonin supplements may cause nightmares, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, irritability, stomach cramps, a decreased sex drive and a decreased sperm count. Melatonin supplements can cause short-term feelings of depression and may worsen existing depression, so consult your doctor before taking these supplements if you have a history of depression.