Many people take melatonin (a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle) in the form of supplements to get sound sleep and to help them deal with certain mental health conditions.
Recently, the team of ThePleasantDream came across a study that had some fascinating findings on how melatonin can influence the dreamscape of individuals.
To get more clarity on the influence of melatonin on dreams and night terrors, we asked experts around the world who shared their invaluable views with us.
Here’s what they had to say…
How does the intake of melatonin affect your dreams?
Isabella Gordan, a sleep expert, sleep science coach & Co-founder at Sleep Society
Melatonin intake is linked to dreaming because it helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle, which directly influences our dreams. Research suggests that taking a melatonin supplement can lead to an increase in vivid and intense dreams.
This occurs due to a disruption in the naturally-occurring pattern of melatonin release during sleep which then influences changes in core body temperature, EEG activity, and REM sleep.
As such, when taking melatonin supplements, you may have more frequent (and longer-lasting) dreams while asleep.
Amira Martin, a mental health therapist, LCSW-R, Clinical Psychotherapist
The melatonin intake may cause vivid or bad dreams, although it is unclear how it affects dreams. Studies have found that melatonin can increase REM sleep, the stage of sleep associated with vivid dreams.
Susan Miller, lead researcher and certified sleep expert (RPSGT) at SleepMattressHQ.com
Melatonin supplements can help some people fall asleep more quickly and improve the quality of their sleep. However, it could also affect the content and vividness of dreams.
While some studies have found no significant difference in dream content, others have found it to increase the frequency of vivid and emotional dreams. In addition, people respond differently to melatonin depending on their time and dosage.
It is believed that melatonin affects the activity of certain brain regions involved in dreaming, including the amygdala, which processes emotions.
Another theory suggests that melatonin can enhance the ability of the brain to recall dreams upon waking.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, MBBS, DPM – Psychiatry, MD at ClinicSpots
It is known that melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating our body’s sleep-wake cycle, also known as the circadian rhythm.
The intake of melatonin will generally cause an increase in dream vividness and recall, especially if taken close to bedtime.
This increased vividness and recall are because melatonin increases REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs.
Also, taking melatonin can reduce or eliminate bad dreams or nightmares because it promotes deeper, more restful sleep.
Michael Dadashi, psychologist & CEO of Infinite Recovery
Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. When darkness falls, melatonin production increases, making you feel sleepy and helping you fall asleep.
It has been theorized that increasing melatonin levels may improve dream recall and/or the vividness of dreams. However, scientific research on this topic is still in its early stages, and few studies exist.
How melatonin affects the dreams of people suffering from hallucinations?
Isabella Gordan, a sleep expert, sleep science coach & Co-founder at Sleep Society
Melatonin has been linked to the vividness and frequency of a person’s dream experiences. It is believed that melatonin, when present in large amounts, can create more frequent and longer dreams.
For those who suffer from hallucinations, higher melatonin levels have been shown to increase their chances of having more intense, vivid dreams.
In addition to this, it has been suggested that melatonin can also affect the emotional content of a person’s dreams.
Higher melatonin levels have been linked to more intense, vivid dreams with higher levels of fear, anxiety, and heightened emotions.
Amira Martin, a mental health therapist, LCSW-R, Clinical Psychotherapist
There is limited research on how melatonin affects the dreams of people suffering from hallucinations.
However, some studies suggest that melatonin may decrease the frequency and intensity of hallucinations in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Susan Miller, lead researcher and certified sleep expert (RPSGT) at SleepMattressHQ.com
Melatonin can potentially affect the dreams of some people suffering from hallucinations, but the exact effects are not yet fully understood.
There is some evidence that melatonin may improve the quality of sleep for people with hallucinations and reduce the frequency and intensity of these experiences.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, MBBS, DPM – Psychiatry, MD at ClinicSpots
For people suffering from hallucinations, taking melatonin can help reduce the number and intensity of their hallucinations.
This is because melatonin helps regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain associated with psychological disorders such as schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses.
By taking melatonin, reducing the frequency or duration of these types of dreams may be possible.
Michael Dadashi, psychologist & CEO of Infinite Recovery
Melatonin may be able to help people who experience hallucinations during dreams.
In addition, research suggests that supplementing with melatonin may reduce the intensity of these types of dream-related hallucinations, though more studies are needed in this area.
What are the reasons behind encountering vivid dreams after taking melatonin?
Isabella Gordan, a sleep expert, sleep science coach & Co-founder at Sleep Society
Taking melatonin has been linked to vivid dreams due to its connection with the body’s circadian rhythm, a natural cycle that helps regulate sleep.
When melatonin is taken, it increases the time spent in REM sleep, the stage when most vivid dreaming occurs.
This can result in more intense dreams and even nightmare episodes for some people.
Moreover, research suggests that certain ingredients found in melatonin supplements have psychotropic effects that can also influence dream experiences.
Amira Martin, a mental health therapist, LCSW-R, Clinical Psychotherapist
If you have particularly vivid or bad dreams after taking melatonin, it may be your body’s natural response to falling into a deeper, more restful sleep. Melatonin can increase REM sleep, which is associated with vivid dreams.
When you’re sleeping, melatonin also releases vasotocin, a protein that regulates REM sleep.
Increased melatonin may lead to higher levels of vasotocin (a protein released in the brain during sleep and helps regulate the REM stage of sleep) — therefore, more REM sleep and potentially vivid dreams.
Susan Miller, lead researcher and certified sleep expert (RPSGT) at SleepMattressHQ.com
Melatonin can prolong Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is the stage of sleep during which vivid dreams occur.
Melatonin suppresses the activity of neurons that keep us in non-REM sleep, allowing us to spend more time in REM sleep.
As a result, when people take melatonin supplements, they may experience more vivid and memorable dreams. Melatonin can also affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin, influencing moods and dreams.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, MBBS, DPM – Psychiatry, MD at ClinicSpots
The intake of melatonin can cause vivid dreaming because it increases REM sleep. It also affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to a more active dream state than normal sleep would provide.
Also, since melatonin is naturally occurring in our bodies during nighttime hours, it can help synchronize our biological clock with the natural sleep-wake cycle.
Michael Dadashi, psychologist & CEO of Infinite Recovery
Studies on the effect of melatonin on dreams are still in their early stages, but it is believed that the hormone may impact dream vividness.
It is hypothesized that melatonin may improve the recall of dreams by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain related to memory.
Does taking melatonin supplement help to reduce night terror or lead to night terror?
Isabella Gordan, a sleep expert, sleep science coach & Co-founder at Sleep Society
Taking melatonin supplements can help reduce the occurrence of night terrors in some cases, as melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
However, research indicates that too much melatonin can worsen symptoms. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any melatonin supplement for night terrors or other sleep disturbances.
Amira Martin, a mental health therapist, LCSW-R, Clinical Psychotherapist
There is no conclusive evidence that taking melatonin supplements leads to night terrors. Some studies suggest that melatonin may help reduce the occurrence of night terrors in children.
However, it is important to consult with a doctor before taking melatonin, as it may affect different individuals and interact with other medications or supplements.
Susan Miller, lead researcher and certified sleep expert (RPSGT) at SleepMattressHQ.com
Melatonin can help reduce night terrors by regulating the sleep-wake cycle and promoting deep, restful sleep.
Night terrors often occur during deep non-REM sleep during the first few hours of sleep.
Melatonin increases deep sleep duration, which may help reduce night terror frequency and intensity.
Additionally, melatonin has a calming effect on the nervous system and may reduce anxiety and stress, which may also contribute to night terrors.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, MBBS, DPM – Psychiatry, MD at ClinicSpots
Taking a melatonin supplement is not known to cause night terror or increase its frequency in any way.
On the contrary, melatonin may help reduce night terror by promoting deeper and longer periods of restful sleep instead of lighter, more disturbed sleep cycles that can lead to nightmares or night terrors.
By regulating our body’s circadian rhythm and helping us reach a deeper stage of REM sleep more quickly, melatonin can benefit those suffering from night terror episodes.
Michael Dadashi, psychologist & CEO of Infinite Recovery
Currently, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether melatonin supplements can help reduce the incidence of night terrors.
More research is needed in this area to understand better how melatonin affects dreams and sleep cycles.
Some studies suggest that supplementing with melatonin may decrease nightmares, but more research is required for definitive conclusions.
Closing Thoughts
The expert opinion supports the past findings that consuming melatonin supplements can lead to an increase in vivid and intense dreams.
The above expert opinions clarify that melatonin can regulate your sleep-wake cycle and help you sleep better.
However, it can extend Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is the stage of sleep during which vivid dreams occur.
If you have been consuming melatonin for better sleep but facing vivid dreams, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist.
