Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Impact of melatonin on long-term blood pressure

January 3, 2020 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

I have a question regarding melatonin and its influence on blood pressure. I am currently suffering from sleep disturbances. That's why I took a herbal remedy last night (Green Doc Quick Sleep Capsules), which contains lemon balm and melatonin. This should help me fall asleep more easily.

I happened to read that melatonin can have an impact on blood pressure, especially lowering it at night. I have an appointment for a long-term blood pressure measurement on Tuesday, as my blood pressure was elevated during self-monitoring and I am currently experiencing frequent headaches and sleep disturbances.

Could the one-time intake of 2 of these capsules last night (a total of 1mg of melatonin) have such an impact on blood pressure that it could "mislead" the long-term measurement on Tuesday? I mean misled in the sense that melatonin could cause falsely low values to be measured, which would be higher without melatonin. And if so, how significant would this influence be?

Furthermore, I would like to know your general opinion on using melatonin long term. If it really does lower blood pressure and improve sleep at the same time, it would be a solution for me without having to take other pills.

Thank you in advance!

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

Melatonin is quickly broken down under the influence of daylight, so you do not have to fear any distortion of your long-term measurements.

I am currently a big fan of this substance because melatonin breaks down quickly in the morning, but not permanently. If you are experiencing long-term sleep disturbances, there are causes (such as too much screen time or phone use, stress, anger, pressure, prolonged time in bed, TV in the bedroom) that should be addressed. Instead of simply taking pills, I believe it is a mistake, especially since they may eventually stop working.

Warm regards, Dr. Gehring