Dealing with depression in college can be tough; it can hinder your ability to socialize, focus on classes and keep up with other responsibilities. Depression can also have a big impact on your sleeping patterns. If depression is making it hard for you to get to sleep, you may be considering taking melatonin. Understanding the relationship between melatonin and depression can be essential to making an informed decision.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain. Natural melatonin levels are highest at night. Some research suggests that melatonin supplements can help address sleep disorders. Melatonin supplements can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies or anywhere supplements are sold. Taking melatonin supplements may seem like a good way to manage depression symptoms. It’s important to get the full picture, though. The real relationship between melatonin and depression is complex. Taking melatonin can have many effects on your depression symptoms, both good and bad. It may help to learn more about these effects before you decide whether to take melatonin.

5 effects melatonin can have on depression

• Improved sleep — Melatonin may improve your ability to sleep. If you’re experiencing insomnia due to your depression, this may be beneficial. Getting enough sleep can be crucial to restoring your energy and improving your mood. However, melatonin is not always good for the sleep patterns of people with depression. Some people with depression experience hypersomnia and frequently oversleep. If you already sleep excessively, taking melatonin may only worsen your symptoms.
• Daytime drowsiness — Depression can cause persistent fatigue. If you have depression, you may feel tired throughout the day, regardless of how much rest you get. If you experience a lot of daytime sleepiness, taking melatonin might not be the right call. Daytime drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of taking melatonin, experts say. Instead of taking this hormone, you may benefit from energy-boosting strategies. Better alternatives might include a morning exercise routine. Working with your therapist, you can find ways to address fatigue and maintain energy.
• Nightmares — Melatonin can sometimes cause vivid nightmares. Though less common than other symptoms, this can still be concerning. Nightmares may worsen your sleep quality and contribute to depressive symptoms. A vivid nightmare may dampen your mood throughout the following day. It may also cause you to feel anxious about going to sleep, which can lead to a widespread negative toll on your mental health. If taking melatonin causes you to experience nightmares, you may want to opt for other strategies. Treatments like psychotherapy can provide the direct mental health support you need.
• Decreased appetite — People with depression often experience appetite changes. The most common change is a decrease in appetite. Losing your appetite may prevent you from getting sufficient nutrition and can contribute to fatigue and mental haze. In addition to being a depression symptom, decreased appetite is also a potential side effect of melatonin. Taking melatonin while depressed may exacerbate unhealthy appetite shifts, making it potentially harmful.
• Interaction with antidepressants — Melatonin can sometimes interact with antidepressants. Research shows that melatonin can augment the effects of fluoxetine on depression-like behavior. Fluoxetine, also known by the brand name Prozac, is a common first-line antidepressant medication. While melatonin may work well with some antidepressants, it might not work as well with others. Experts advise skipping melatonin if you take certain medications. Potentially risky medications to mix with melatonin include diazepam and fluvoxamine. If you’re currently taking antidepressants, make sure to check with your provider before taking melatonin. They can help determine whether melatonin could be helpful or harmful for your particular condition.

Lightfully U can help you work to improve your depression symptoms

If you’re depressed, you may be looking for treatments that can help alleviate your symptoms. Some people seek therapy for their depression. If regular therapy sessions don’t work, you may want to seek a more comprehensive treatment program. An effective treatment plan might incorporate medication support along with evidence-based psychotherapy.

At Lightfully U, we’re committed to helping each client get the mental health treatment they need. We offer compassionate mental health care for college students aged 18-25. Our approach is based around our Precision Care Model (PCM), a fully personalized framework for mental health treatment. PCM consists of evidence-based, whole-person-centered care provided by deeply compassionate experts. With PCM, we can help you address the drivers behind your depression symptoms and work toward lasting mood improvement.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to get treatment for your depression, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.