Updated September 1st, 2026
Melatonin is one of the most commonly used sleep supplements in the U.S. [1] However, supplements like melatonin aren’t regulated in the same way as prescription medications, and they can still cause side effects.
When you take something to help you sleep, feeling more anxious is probably the last thing you expect. However, some people report experiencing anxiety or other unwanted effects after taking melatonin.
So, can melatonin cause anxiety? Keep reading to learn about the connection between melatonin and anxiety, potential side effects, and what to do if you think melatonin is making your anxiety worse.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the pineal gland. It regulates your sleep-wake cycle, also called circadian rhythm, by signaling to your brain and body that it’s time to sleep. Natural melatonin levels typically rise in the evening as it starts to get dark, peak in the middle of the night, and drop in the morning.
Our bodies produce different amounts of melatonin throughout our lives. Natural levels tend to be at their highest during puberty. Some people have conditions that affect how much melatonin they produce.
While it is a natural hormone, synthetic melatonin is also available over the counter. Melatonin supplements come in different formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release options, as well as products that combine melatonin with other ingredients marketed for sleep. The amount of melatonin and how quickly it is released into the body can vary depending on the product.
Often, melatonin supplements are used to help induce sleep in people with sleep disorders, like insomnia, jet lag, and even pre-surgery anxiety.
For many, melatonin supplements are helpful and harmless if taken as directed. However, side effects are possible. While it is not a complete list, some of the most common melatonin side effects include daytime drowsiness, headache, nausea, dizziness, and vivid dreams.
Melatonin suppresses the neurons that keep you alert. It primarily interacts with MT1 and MT2 receptors, which play different roles in sleep and circadian rhythms.[2] Research suggests that MT1 receptors are involved in regulating REM sleep, while MT2 receptors play a role in non-REM sleep. Both natural and synthetic melatonin activate these receptors.
Melatonin receptors may also influence functions beyond sleep. For example, research in animals suggests that MT2 receptors may play a role in cognition, anxiety, and social behavior.[3]
While some people who take melatonin do report increased anxiety, irritability, or restlessness, others find that it lowers their anxiety levels.
Why, then, might melatonin cause or worsen anxiety for some people but not others? Several factors can influence how you respond to it, including:
Melatonin is not generally considered a direct cause of anxiety. However, some people may experience increased anxiety, irritability, or restlessness while taking it. Several factors can influence how you respond to melatonin, including the dose, timing, individual sensitivity, and other medications or supplements you take. Taking melatonin at the wrong time can also disrupt your circadian rhythm, which may affect your sleep and how you feel the following day.
One challenge is that supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription medications. Studies have found that some over-the-counter melatonin supplements contain significantly more or less melatonin than their labels indicate.[4]
Researchers have also detected serotonin in some melatonin supplements, even though serotonin was not listed on the label. This is particularly concerning because serotonin can interact with certain medications and, in excessive amounts, contribute to serious complications such as serotonin syndrome.
Dose can also matter. Higher doses of melatonin may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects, and taking more doesn't necessarily mean you'll sleep better. It's best to talk with a healthcare professional about whether melatonin is appropriate for you, particularly if you're experiencing anxiety or other unwanted effects while taking it.
Not necessarily. Responses to melatonin vary from person to person, including among those with anxiety disorders. That said, it’s important to consult with a medical doctor, such as a psychiatrist or primary care provider, before trying it. They can provide guidance on dosage, possible side effects, potential interactions, and how to choose a reputable supplement.
For example, looking for supplements with a USP Verified Mark can help ensure that you’re buying a product that meets certain standards for quality and potency.[5]
Additionally, melatonin can interact with some medications.[6] This may include medications people take for anxiety or other mental health conditions. If you take medication for an anxiety disorder, make sure to tell your provider before starting melatonin. You should also let them know about any other medications or supplements you take. Melatonin can interact with other drugs, including blood thinners and anticonvulsants.
Sleep problems can also sometimes be a symptom of an underlying mental or physical health condition that melatonin alone won’t address. This is another reason why speaking with a healthcare professional can be helpful.
The bottom line? Pay attention to how your body responds. Some people with anxiety disorders take melatonin without experiencing increased anxiety and may have few to no side effects. Others may find that melatonin worsens anxiety or causes other unwanted effects.
If your doctor gives you the go-ahead to try melatonin, pay attention to how you feel. If you experience increased anxiety or other concerning side effects, talk with your provider. There are also alternatives to melatonin for treating sleep problems if it isn’t the right fit for you.
What if you experience increased anxiety after taking melatonin? Don’t ignore it. Anxiety symptoms can affect your quality of life, daily functioning, relationships, and sleep. For some people, anxiety and sleep problems can even create a frustrating cycle, with one making the other worse. Here’s what you can do:
Finding the right approach to anxiety and sleep can take some trial and error. Working with a provider you trust can help you understand what’s contributing to your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that works for you. If anxiety and sleep problems are occurring together, your care team can help you address both rather than focusing on just one.
If anxiety is interfering with your sleep, daily life, or overall well-being, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Clarity Clinic has multiple clinics located throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas. We offer in-person and virtual anxiety treatment in Chicago/Illinois. We accept most major insurance plans.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
Our team can help you address anxiety, insomnia, and co-occurring concerns like depression. Whether your anxiety is new, has gotten worse, or you’re simply looking for a treatment approach that works better for you, we’re here to help you find the right next step.
Ready to get started? Contact Clarity Clinic today to get started!
See How We Can HelpRelated Readings:
Melatonin does not typically cause depression or anxiety, but some people report mood changes, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness while taking it. If you notice new or worsening symptoms after taking melatonin, talk with your healthcare provider.
Several factors could play a role, including your melatonin dose, when you take it, individual sensitivity, or side effects like vivid dreams or disrupted sleep. A healthcare provider can help you determine whether melatonin may be contributing to your anxiety.
Possibly. Many people with anxiety take melatonin without problems, but everyone responds differently. Talk with your doctor before taking melatonin, especially if you take medication for anxiety or another health condition.
Either may be helpful. A therapist can help address thoughts, behaviors, and stress that may contribute to anxiety and poor sleep, while a psychiatrist can evaluate your symptoms and prescribe medication when appropriate. Some people benefit from seeing both.
Yes. Clarity Clinic has psychiatric providers who can help address insomnia and sleep problems, particularly when they occur alongside mental health concerns like anxiety or depression. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.
[1] Chronic Administration of Melatonin: Physiological and Clinical Considerations - PMC. (2023, March 15). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10053496/
[2] Long-term use of melatonin supplements to support sleep may have negative health effects | American Heart Association. (2025, November 3). https://newsroom.heart.org/news/long-term-use-of-melatonin-supplements-to-support-sleep-may-have-negative-health-effects
[3] Thomson, D. M., Mitchell, E. J., Openshaw, R. L., Pratt, J. A., & Morris, B. J. (2021). Mice lacking melatonin MT2 receptors exhibit attentional deficits, anxiety and enhanced social interaction. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 35(10), 1265–1276. https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211032439
[4] Study finds that melatonin content of supplements varies widely. (2017, February 14). https://aasm.org/study-finds-that-melatonin-content-of-supplements-varies-widely/
[5] Dietary Supplement Manufacturing - USP Verified Mark | USP. (n.d.). https://www.usp.org/verification-services/verified-mark
[6] Melatonin and antidepressants: Side effects, uses. (n.d.). https://www.emedicinehealth.com/can_i_take_melatonin_while_on_antidepressants/article_em.htm
Pavan Prasad, MD, is a psychiatrist and CEO of Clarity Clinic specializing in adult ADHD and mood disorders. He takes a holistic, patient-centered approach, offering both psychotherapy and medication management to support concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and concentration. Dr. Prasad creates individualized treatment plans with a focus on achieving meaningful outcomes using the least medication necessary. He earned his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine.
