Melatonin- Vivid dreaming/Depression?

Question

Can someone tell me why Melatonin gives vivid dreaming?
I'd like to know the technical/scientific reasoning behind it.

Also, why does people say Melatonin can "cure" depression, but it is also advised not to take if you have depression (oxymoron)

If you have any extra info it'll be appreciated!

Another addition: Is there any danger to my brain/body taking melatonin?

Answer 1

It does seem like a contradiction...I was trying to figure it out myself, since we studied it briefly in pharmacology.

To answer the first question: "High doses of melatonin (50mg) dramatically increased REM sleep time and dream activity in both narcoleptics and those without narcolepsy."
That would leat to more vivid dreams.

The only depression melatonin helps to treat (that I found) is seasonal affective disorder. That seems like a contradiction, because melatonin is at it's peak secretion in the dark, HOWEVER, I'm sure it has to do with the lack of light during the day (which is when the melatonin hormone is supposed to be "off" so then, perhaps, it doesn't turn "on" fully during the night when its supposed to.) I'm sure it has to do with the reuptake or receptors, or the amount of melatonin left in the synaptic cleft, but I really don't know the answer.

This website gave a few answers, I don't know how valid: http://www.apollolight.com/melatonin_and_depression.html

It basically says that high melatonin levels during the day will cause a person to feel depressed (will cause tiredness, lethargy, irritability). So a person who is depressed or has a history of depression, should not risk taking melatonin and feeling more depressed during the day.
(The only explanation I would have for having too much melatonin during the day would have to do with taking too high a dose of the medication where you have some left over after yoursleep cycle, OR your body doesn't use it all for some reason and the excess leads to a high level during the day.)

Thanks for the challenge...I hope I at least gave you some ideas for an answer!

Answer 2

After a month of awful sleep, I actually just started taking Melatonin last week. It's worked like a charm so far, I fall asleep easier than ever. But I've noticed the increase in vivid dreams, too.
It's really the first time I've been able to "just dream" in a long time, as I am a lucid dreamer. I think the extra Melatonin puts me in such a deep sleep that my mind can't wake up to control them. This is potentially scary, as I rarely have nightmares because of the lucid dreaming, it's pretty much gotten to the point where I'm used to not having them.
I guess I just wanted to say I'm experiencing the same thing and curious to see what answers people have to the science behind it.

Answer 3

I take melatonin and couldn't sleep without it. Yes, there are more vivid dreams but the mechanism for why this happens is not well understood (my therapist verified that fact).

I also find it ironic that you take melatonin for depression but it is contraindicated for depression. I think it's because if you don't get sunlight in the morning to "shut off" the melatonin, it can make you lethargic and that can mimic depression. I use a lightbox which shuts off the melatonin and is also a prescription for mild depression (works like a dream...).

I find that my need for melatonin changes over time--there times when I need 5-6 mgs. at night, and times when I only need one. The pineal gland (in the middle of your brain) is what makes your body's melatonin; stress and anxiety can reduce the amount that is created naturally, hence the need for supplementation.

I couldn't live without my melatonin, and am very happy to be able to use it! Sometimes my dreams are so vivid I actually get tired (they tend to be very complex and involve a lot of movement) but it's worth it.

Answer 4

Melatonin is a naturally occuring substance in the body. It regulates sleep/wake patterns. If you take additional melatonin to promote healthy sleep, you are probably simply staying longer in the REM state which allows you to experience your dreams more fully.
I have never heard of Melatonin curing depression unless the depression is caused by unhealthy sleep patterns. I would not rely on melatonin for depression.

Answer 5

Melatonin causing vivid dreams ..theres not a strong association with them
Have searched in Pubmed
If theres an association it is weak or understudied as i have found only one article which was about melatonin being given for
REM sleep disorders which cause vivid dreams to normalise them

Melatonin and depression
Yeps melatonin can cure depression buts thats only in the hypothesis phase ..
Link given below