Can you take melatonin when you have a fever?
Jan 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. If a patient has a fever, taking melatonin is not recommended, as it may interfere with recovery or have negative effects on the body. The patient can drink fresh fruit juices such as orange, pear, or peach juice to replenish essential nutrients. It is important to stay warm, dress appropriately to prevent chills, avoid excessive fatigue and exposure to cold. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule with early bedtime and early rising helps ensure adequate rest.
Fever generally refers to an elevated body temperature. If a patient has a fever, it is not recommended to take melatonin, as it may interfere with recovery or have negative effects on the body.
The normal axillary (underarm) temperature range is 36–37°C. A temperature above 37°C is considered a fever. Fever refers to a body temperature exceeding the normal range, often accompanied by symptoms such as chills and shivering. It typically results from dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center, leading to an abnormally elevated temperature.
Generally, when a patient has a fever, taking melatonin is not advised. Melatonin is an amine hormone produced by the pineal gland that improves sleep quality, reduces time awake before sleep, shortens sleep onset time, and decreases nighttime awakenings. However, during fever, the body—particularly the gastrointestinal system—is weakened. Melatonin can be somewhat irritating and may cause nausea, bloating, or abdominal pain. Especially if the patient’s fever exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen (paracetamol) tablets should be taken under medical guidance. The combined irritation from these medications and melatonin may further aggravate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort.
Patients can drink fresh fruit juices such as orange, pear, or peach juice to replenish essential nutrients. They should stay warm, dress appropriately to avoid getting chilled, prevent excessive fatigue, maintain a regular sleep schedule with early bedtime and wake-up times, and ensure adequate rest to support recovery.
