Latest news with #Circadin
Daily Record
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Popular sleep aid 'can cause nightmares', pharmacist warns
If you're struggling to sleep at night, there are a number of things you can do to try and improve your sleep routine Many of us find it difficult to sleep at night, especially if thoughts are still swirling around your mind as your head hits the pillow. Some people try things like cutting back on caffeine during the day, or performing breathing exercises to relax. And then there are sleep aids, which can be taken in the short-term. However, one pharmacist has said these should only be used as a last resort, with some having some less than ideal side effects. Ian Budd of Chemist4U previously spoke to the Mirror about one of the most common sleep aids, which involves a synthetic version of the sleep hormone melatonin, which our bodies naturally produce at night to regulate sleep. However, synthetic melatonin - which should only be taken for short periods if you're having trouble sleeping - can have "unpleasant side effects". Therefore, Ian advises seeking medical advice before using melatonin as a sleep aid. He said: "Melatonin can be found in a medicine called Circadin. If you've been struggling with your sleep cycle for a while, it's likely you know that melatonin is a natural chemical in the body that helps you to fall asleep. "But, make sure you know what you're getting into before you pick up your prescription, as Circadin can have some pretty unpleasant side effects such as abnormal nightmares, night sweats and weight gain. Sleep aids should only be used as a last resort, after first trying to make some lifestyle changes, such as improving your bedtime routine, cutting down caffeine intake and managing stress. "We would recommend consulting with your doctor before using melatonin as a sleep aid to avoid any unwanted side effects."
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Pill taken by many linked to 'weight gain and nightmares'
A pharmacist has warned about some negative side effects Falling asleep can often be a challenge, particularly if you find your mind still buzzing as you're trying to nod off. There are several strategies people use for a better bedtime routine, including cutting back on caffeine during the day, or trying breathing exercises to relax. There are also medications you an use to aid sleep, though one one pharmacist urges caution, highlighting that these should be a last recourse due to potential adverse effects like nightmares and weight gain. Ian Budd from Chemist4U previously spoke to the Mirror about such remedies, which often contain a synthetic variant of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. He warned against the prolonged use of synthetic melatonin due to risks of "unpleasant side effects" such as nightmares, night sweats, and potential weight gain, suggesting it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using melatonin products. Ian said: "Melatonin can be found in a medicine called Circadin. "If you've been struggling with your sleep cycle for a while, it's likely you know that melatonin is a natural chemical in the body that helps you to fall asleep. But, make sure you know what you're getting into before you pick up your prescription, as Circadin can have some pretty unpleasant side effects such as abnormal nightmares, night sweats and weight gain. "Sleep aids should only be used as a last resort, after first trying to make some lifestyle changes, such as improving your bedtime routine, cutting down caffeine intake and managing stress. We would recommend consulting with your doctor before using melatonin as a sleep aid to avoid any unwanted side effects."
