Melatonin--any insight?

[Tommy_Carcetti]

This past week I've had two nights of very little sleep. Thankfully, I've also had a couple of nights were I slept fine, but whenever I have a bad night's sleep, it really puts a damper on things and builds up my anxiety.

I worry my afternoon coffees may be a thing of the past. My cut off time had been 4:30; however, I cut out it on Tuesday and Wednesday and slept fine, and when I had some on Thursday, I didn't. That sucks.

I don't want to overrely on things like Tylenol PM as I know I can't have that every night. But I do have Melatonin, which is more natural.

I've used it on rare occasions, but not on a multiple day basis. I think it worked okay, but I'm not sure.

So if anyone has any experience with Melatonin, I just wanted to know if it can be used on a short term basis (maybe like a week or two) to regulate good sleep patterns back, and once I'm done with it, is there a high risk that I'd fall back into a sleep rut?

[samnsara]

1. melatonin always gave me a huge hang over..it was worse than if i never slept...

..like last night! Woke up at 11 30 pm laid in bed awhile finally at 3 am decided to get up. My bedtime routine is usually one pot brownie and 2 benedryl. They get me to sleep but staying asleep is another problem.

[doc03]

27. Where do I get pot brownies in Ohio? LOL

[mucifer]

47. you shouldn't use Benadryl chronically for sleep:

A recently published prospective cohort study reveals a higher cumulative strong anticholinergic use is associated with an increased risk for dementia. 2 Anticholinergics include tricyclic antidepressants, bladder antimuscarinics and first generation antihistamines.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592307/

[Jane Austin]

54. I take a dual release melatonin tablet.

Just about the time you are about to wake up from the first part, the second dose kicks in.

I think I remember that you shouldn't take more than 1 mg of melatonin.

Lots of formulations are way more than that, and remember, it's sort of a hormone, not a food supplement.

[WA-03 Democrat]

2. For me, Melatonin didn't work

Benadryl or Alka Seltzer Nighttime are my crutches. Whatever gets you through the night is more than a cliche.

[ProudLib72]

3. Yes, you can use melatonin for a couple weeks without any issue

However, you will eventually build up a tolerance for it and need to use higher doses. You'll notice they most often come in 5mg and 10mg doses. Start low. I usually take mine about an hour before I want to fall asleep. At first, you might want to wait until 30 minutes before because your body will not be used to it.

Definitely no afternoon coffee! Try some chamomile tea instead.

[IphengeniaBlumgarten]

4. It worked okay for me for a while...

eventually it seemed to be less effective, think I just got too used to it. This was quite a few years back, don't recall how long I took it.

[hlthe2b]

5. I only used it regularly with international travel and you have to be very systematic...

Before considering it at home I think you need to ask if this is a "biorhythm problem--i.e., is your internal clock not making you naturally sleepy when it is dark and ready to rise when the sun streams into your room (assuming you don't work nights AND have already done the recommended things to stop contact with blue light-emitting devices in your room at night, decrease afternoon caffeine, etc). If the answer is yes (and you don't naturally fall asleep after dark) then melatonin can help.

If the answer is no, you can fall asleep but the quality of sleep is poor (wake up frequently throughout the night for example), then melatonin may not be the answer. Then you need to really look at why your sleep cycle is so poor which might include any number of things including too much caffeine, too much stress, bad sleeping environment, physiological issues including sleep apnea.

[Kahuna7]

6. I've used it for 20 years. I swear by it. but....

I also notice that when too much dust accumulates in my bedroom it interrupts my sleep.

[redstateblues]

7. 30 years here. No problem tho I occasionally use a little Valerian root

[CurtEastPoint]

8. You mean FLOTUS? I thought her name was Melanoma.

[cyclonefence]

9. The sleep-inducing ingredient in Tylenol PM

(which you are correct about; overuse of Tylenol--acetaminophen--can damage your liver) is diphenhydramine HCL, the active ingredient in Benadryl. If you have asthma or other breathing issues, check with your doctor about antihistamines. Benadryl otherwise can be taken safely for sleep.

If you are taking Tylenol PM strictly for sleep and not for pain relief, there's no need to take the acetaminophen. The cheapest generic diphenhydramine will work just as well, and more safely.

[Fla Dem]

14. If you take the generic diphenhydramine, how soon before you go to bed should you take it?

I rarely if ever have trouble falling asleep, usually within 10 -15 minutes of my head hitting the pillow. My problem is occasionally, about 1-2 times a week, I wake up from a sound sleep within 45 minutes to an hour of going to sleep, and can't go back to sleep. If I took the diphenhydramine at that point how soon does it work?

[wishstar]

16. It makes me drowsy in less than 10 minutes, but I also wake up after 4 hours from taking it

I don't take it to sleep though, only for skin rashes which I am prone to occasionally and it provides good relief for skin irritation.

[Fla Dem]

25. That's good to know, Thanks.

[KayF]

18. it works pretty fast for me

I usually take it after going to bed and feeling like I'm going to have a hard time sleeping. Once in a while I can kind of tell I'll need it before going to bed, and I take it then.

[Fla Dem]

24. Thanks, will have to try it. Generally try to stay away from any drug assistance,

Last edited Sat Apr 13, 2019, 10:02 AM - Edit history (1)

but sometimes it's the only relief.

[samnsara]

20. same sleep pattern here..in fact i havent slept since 11:30 last night...

...laid in bed finally said to hell with it and got up 3 am.

[Fla Dem]

23. I use my Ipad for about an hour, then I usually can go back to sleep.

I know they say you shouldn't use anything with a lit screen if you can't sleep because it's a stimulant. But on most occasions, I can go back to sleep after an hour-2 hrs on my ipad.

They also say you shouldn't stay in bed, but I do, but I do throw the covers off.

[cyclonefence]

42. I don't know

but it would be easy enough to try. I have lung issues, so I can't use diphenhydramine--it's too drying.

I have the same problem--I wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. What I do now is sleep with my ipad playing Netflix all night long. I turn on Midsomer Murders (I've seen all of them so I don't stay awake to see whodunnit) and the sound of voices makes me drift right off. For a while I used The Office, but when it gets to the James Spader episodes I get irritated and can't sleep. I use earbuds, but if I slept alone I might use the radio tuned to NPR or some other calm talk station.

My problem is that I keep myself awake by talking in my head--I know this sounds crazy--in complete sentences, which I rework until I'm satisfied with their structure. I find that listening to someone else talking in sentences, as long as it's not stimulating in any way (like whodunnit) puts me right back to sleep.

[doc03]

28. I tried the diphhydramine from Dollar General

I got extreme dizziness and felt groggy the entire next day.

[cyclonefence]

43. Yes

diphenhydramine can do this to you. It's very drying--which is what makes it great as an allergy medication. It doesn't work for everyone, but I think it's worth a try. Also, it might be that you could get the desired effect from a tiny dose, without the nasty side-effects.

[JoeOtterbein]

10. Works for me, plus it can help some animals. I see proof everyday...

...when I see my little charge "Baby Ferret" (taking care of him for my daughter.) He had a illness where he itched all day until all his hair on his little body fell out. The Vet said to give him a 1mg tablet of melatonin and now he is fine and covered with hair again!

Worked like wonders!

[katmondoo]

11. I tried melatonin and after one hour of sleep I woke up with a really dry mouth

drank some water and got up twice to go to the bathroom. I haven't tried it again. I have a really bad time sleeping. I take Lorazepam, that helps if you can persuade a doctor to give you a prescription. It is addictive but nothing else has worked for me so far. I never have after effects. Still I cannot recommend anyone taking it.

[samnsara]

21. i got a few pills of that for a really anxious time in my life..

....she gave me a script for 10 pills. Big whoop. Im holding on to them. They DO work!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. I have been taking melatonin every night before bed for some years now.

I suspect that I have built up a tolerance to it, but I have not changed the dose (3 mg.) at all.

Some nights it doesn't work, but it mainly does. I feel safe with it.

It has been a huge help!

[JonLP24]

13. Melatonin is good because the body is supposed to naturally create melatonin during night time

I know my answer is not 100% scientifically accurate. I don't know what would happen if you stopped it is a good idea to have melatonin at night though, that much I know.

[nancy1942]

15. I tried it....

and it didn't help me sleep, but it sure gave me a severe headache. Lots of people swear by it, but I'm not one of them.

[Phentex]

17. I take a small dose occasionally and have weird dreams...

I mean, I sometimes take half of a 3 mg pill and while it does help me sleep, I have crazy dreams all night. I don't have too many lasting effects from it the next day but I do find I am sleepier earlier.

[LuckyCharms]

19. I have early awakening...

I can't sleep more than 3 hours at a time.

I tried daily Melatonin for a few months. It made me drowsy, but still did not allow me to sleep. That being said, I hear first hand that it does indeed work for a lot of people. It probably depends on what is causing your sleeplessness.

[samnsara]

22. wow a lot of the same sleep issues ...we should have an early risers chat room..

...Im usually up 3 am Pacific time...sometimes much earlier.

[True Blue American]

45. You found a partner.

Early to bed, up at 3 AM. A morning person. Just do not bother me after 6 or 7 PM.

[doc03]

26. I have used it for years and am still alive. I have done

Tylonal PM and had dizzy spells and fell like crap the next day. I don't take the melatonin every day just times when I need it. When I used to work shift work I had to take it to get sleep.

[PeeJ52]

29. Melatonin never helped me, but my issue is anxiety, and nothing helps a brain that won't shut down..

waiting for the next brick to fall.

[True Blue American]

46. Got that right

Doing 3 things at once.

[elfin]

30. Finally had to go to zolpidem (generic Ambien)

after Melatonin etc. ceased to work. Only take half the dose and only on those nights when I know I have many responsibilities at work the next day.

Talked to the doc after that seemed to lose effectiveness - prescribed generic xanax and now on that. Again for half dose before anticipated heavy schedule the next day.

Never use anything on weekends.

Never needed either until I was early 60's. Before then, a very occasional Benydryl was sufficient.

Now I know why so many geezers equate a full night's natural sleep to good sex.

[Raine]

31. I've been taking it for 10 plus years

I take it about 30 minutes before going to bed it works. The downside for me has been I started with 3mg and have had to work my way up to 10 and even then always wake up 1 and a half to 2 hrs and need another dosage. I've always had insomnia so it is probably just that my body has harder time relaxing.

[JDC]

32. I've used 3mg gummies nightly for years. No issue and it helps

At least for me. The gummies are tasty also. Imo.

[JudyM]

33. I use a melatonin drink powder sometimes but this "sleep tea" works like a charm:

[Rollo]

34. I found it works well, but it's very subtle...

A few points: older people produce less melatonin on their own, and therefore may need higher doses. I got the Natrol 5 mg dose from Costco. Because I'm 67. It's important to take it as directed: about 20 min before you want to go to sleep, but it also work if you take it just before you go to bed.

I would strongly recommend cutting off any coffee, tea, or caffeinated soft drinks after 12 noon.

Another way to help getting to sleep is to use proper lighting at night. Adjust your computer monitor so it emits less light, and a more yellowish light. Lighting in the bedroom/bath should be warm white, not daylight.

This is because blue-white light tends to tell your brain to wake up. It's great in the morning, not good for promoting slumber at night.

Lastly if you're like me and tend to sit at the computer too late at night, heed your body. If you feel sleepy, then go to bed. Another trick may be to get all the teeth brushing done well before you want to retire for the night. I find the brushing tends to wake me up more, making it harder to fall asleep.

Good luck. Sleep is God's gift; treat it as a treasure.

[Baltimike]

35. I know this sounds crazy, but benadryl knocks me out when I am anxious. nt

[customerserviceguy]

38. Yep

and you can find generic "Benadryl" at the dollar store, look for diphenhydramine hydrochloride on the label, and you can get what you want for cheap.

I do get a slight hangover effect from it, and prefer melatonin or weed instead.

[AirmensMom]

36. I would recommend reading

“Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker. The book itself is somewhat soporific, but there are also many suggestions on how to get good sleep reliably. He talks about caffeine and sleep aids, etc. My husband and I found it to be extremely helpful.

[customerserviceguy]

37. I use it from time to time

but more often than not, it gives me really weird-ass dreams. Nothing frightening, but somewhat disturbing every once in awhile.

I can't answer anything about short term use, then discontinuance, because I always keep some around for when I feel I need it. However, the right weed does a good job of knocking me out, too.

[TexasBushwhacker]

39. Keep the dose low - 3 mg

Too much and your body won't make as much of its own. Sit out in the sunshine every day if you can. That helps your body clock too.

[skypilot]

40. Iodine

I know that you didn't ask about IODINE but it has helped me immensely with sleep issues. I used to have insomnia accompanied by anxiety on a regular basis. I came across a website about iodine deficiency and found that insomnia was just one of its many symptoms. I had been using non-iodized salt for years. Kosher salt to be exact. Bought some iodized salt and an iodine supplement and it has helped a lot.

[Laffy Kat]

41. I've been taking it lately so I can cut back on my benzos.

The first few times I tried it, I had a good (for me) sleep, a deeper sleep. It does seem to be losing it's punch, though. It's something I will probably go back and forth with by taking my Xanax for a night or two and then melatonin for a night or two. Good luck.

[True Blue American]

44. Question before answer.

Do you have aches and pains. Trouble getting out of a chair, low energy, weight gain or loss? Thyroid, thermostat of the body not working right. Weight loss, over active, weight gain,under active.

Trust me, within 2 weeks I was a different person with medication to control it. Doctor said her Aunt almost died and I know several women whose thyroid is not working. They are in bad shape. Happens to men, too.

Melatonin did not do a thing.

If so, get thee to a Doctor!

[skypilot]

48. I forgot to mention...

...thyroid function in my post about iodine which is a couple spots above your post. Iodine is essential for proper thyroid functioning.

[True Blue American]

49. Yes, very important

I have used iodized salt all my life. But if your thyroid is not working right nothing helps except medication. Synthyroid is the name, but thank goodness there is a generic. Levothyroxene.

Understand this was my problem, not others but I know so many who have huge medical problems because their thyroids quit working.

My old Doctor had retired, I had none. My Son asked me what propelled me to go to a Doctor. He had seen how hard it was for me to get out of a chair I hurt so bad.

I found a lady Doctor who recognized my symptoms right away. Her Aunt had almost died. It seems Doctors miss it often. But now they seem to find it more often.

I took Meletonin,it did nothing.

[OxQQme]

50. Warm milk and honey

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/warm-milk-to-sleep#9

[The Blue Flower]

51. Why not switch to decaf?

I can't have any caffeine after 12 noon or I can't sleep. Switching without getting headaches is easy: just mix decaf with regular a little at a time for a few days.

My doc told me melatonin doesn't work for everyone.

[EveHammond13]

52. very effective - no side effects for me

You will feel it. I buy it at Trader Joe's. One pill very strong, at least for me. Very effective. Sometimes I take half a pill, even though they are tiny.

[Olafjoy]

53. My 2 cents

I used to scoff at people who would recommend the soothing properties of lavender, then I tried it. I highly recommend a couple squirts of lavender pillow spray. To lie down and be enveloped in the pleasant scent truly is relaxing. I found mine at Bath and Body Works. It is very light.

[Leith]

55. I use melatonin occassionally

I tend to build up tolerance to drugs so that I don't get the benefits, only the side effects (there isn't an NSAID that works for me anymore and benedryl now keeps me awake, believe it or not).

I use valerian once in a while.

The thing that works best for me is to lie in bed and read a book that is interesting, but not so interesting that it keeps me awake after 10pm. Asimov's books of science fact essays are good for that.

[DonaldsRump]

56. Been taking it on and off for a year

Was travelling a lot overseas last year, and still keep strange hours because of the job.

It does help, but only for about 4-5 hours. I don't want to increase the intake, so that's good enough for me.

I understand melatonin has effectively no side effects, but I'm not a doctor and know nothing about these things.

[sigpooie]

57. This I promise is all you need to feel great.

Balance all your needs by taking pharmacy grade vitamins with full balance of amino acids complex like the aging stack sold by anabol naturals. They are a company in this business since 1983. I have been using their products since 1985. Everyone I've told to try them loved and are still using them decades later. We all look, feel and act younger than our other 60 year old friends that did not take the same quality of supplements.
This will help with you wake and sleep cycles and you'll feel better overall.

[yardwork]

58. My doctor told me that melatonin can cause depression.

[Honeycombe8]

59. Milk has a lot of melatonin and works well for me.

I don't have an issue with insomnia as a rule, but it happens to me sometimes.

What has always worked for me:

1. I microwave a large cup of skim milk, with art. sweetener & pure vanilla extract, for a sweet milky hot toddy. It's delicious. The milk has melatonin, and pure vanilla extract has just a tad of alcohol. This has worked well for me for years. It's not like a pill. It just gradually puts me to sleep usually within the hour. I drink my hot toddy while I have an old tv series streaming on the tv, or broadcast tv, as I nod off to sleep. (Has to be an old light comedy or such tv series, since those don't capture my attention that much.)

2. EXERCISE. Insomnia, for me, usually indicates I'm not getting enough exercise. A tired body will usually succumb to sleep. Exercise also relieves stress and mental woes.

3. The Vicks liquid called Zzzzzzzzz. This really works for me. It's by the maker of Nyquil.

4. Speaking of Nyquil...that helps me sleep, as well..IF it's the real deal that you get from behind the pharmacy desk. It has a tad of alcohol, like pure vanilla extract does.