I asked both Finkelston and Winters point-blank if melatonin is bad for you, and here's exactly what they said. (Don't worry, for the most part, the outlook is optimistic!)
"Since melatonin is something that our bodies produce naturally, most professionals consider it to be a safe option. I recommend trying it for a few weeks (to essentially train your body when it needs to go to sleep each night), but more studies do need to be conducted to conclude its safety over a longer duration of time. I always recommend talking to your healthcare provider directly to find out if taking melatonin is right for you," Finkelston confirms.
And Winters agrees: "If you have trouble sleeping, there's clinical evidence demonstrating that short-term use of melatonin is not only effective but also safe in improving sleep quality, daytime alertness, and time it takes to actually fall asleep, which scientists refer to as sleep latency." The key takeaway here: short-term use.
Case in point, there are some potential risk factors to consider. "In general, it is not recommended that those under 20 years old use melatonin, as it can exacerbate seizure disorders, impaired liver function, and depression. Plus, it should not be used in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it can interact with some blood pressure medications. If you are unsure or suffer from any of the above conditions, it's always best to consult your doctor before beginning a melatonin regimen," Finkelston says.