The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Insomnia
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 07/18/2011
Hi Randy;
I'm from a city down the coast from you, Charleston. I really miss the ocean. It was easier to get enough sea salt there.
It appears that in your situation, there are paradoxes to negotiate. I've read that some people do have increased insomnia, anxiety, and other side effects from melatonin supplementation. It's been suggested that they may try a dosage as low as. 1-.3 mgs. I also have low cortisol, and insomnia from early childhood. Although I have tried so many substances for this; herbs, amino acids, exercise, and even medications; my best results have been from combining a low dose b-complex with a sublingual b12. There can be paradoxical reactions to them also, as some can relax and or stimulate the system. I suggest trying the b-complex made from foods. (unfortunately it's expensive) It may be only needed in smaller amounts. Try 1/2 tablet in the morning. ( I have it with an empty stomach, but it may be easier with food).
Also, try methylcobalamin sublinguals, (active-b12); because it enables the other b's to operate. A 1000 mcg. Tablet can be divided with a pill cutter into 4 wedges. It may be that only 250 mcgs. Is needed daily for sensitve individuals. I have also found that folate has been very helpful with depression, But it must be measured carefully according individual needs. I recommend methylfolate. It comes in 800 mcg. Tablets that can also be subdivided.
While there is the RDA of folate in supplements, some people with atypical depression have responded very well to extra folate. It can have mild stimulant properties for some people, so I suggest trying small amounts in the morning. (It is also good for sensitive gums and canker sores when dissolved in the mouth). I have found these supplements to also lower many types of inflammation that can deplete cortisol.
Insomnia
Posted by Randy (Myrtle Beach, Sc/usa) on 07/18/2011
I suffer from adrenal fatigue (low cortisol) and atypical depression so I decided to try melatonin the last couple of nights to try to give my adrenals some well needed rest. Typically I only average between 5 to 6 hours of sleep per night but the last couple of nights I only got about 3.5 hours of sleep. First night I only did 1mg and last night I did 2mg and with upping the dosage I still only got 3.5 hours of sleep. Why am I getting less sleep taking melatonin? I have read where it can have the opposite effect with some people and I am wondering why this happens? Anyone else have the same experience?
Induce Dreaming
Posted by Jeremiah (San Diego, California) on 07/07/2009
★★★★★
Remedies to Induce Dreaming: I usually don't dream, but I have found out that whenever I take Melatonin to sleep, I have the most vividly realistic dreams I could ever imagine.
ADHD
Posted by Cathy (Pataskala, Ohio) on 07/26/2009
★★★★★
My son has been taking Melatonin for almost 4 years now. He is now taking up to 6 mgs at age 10 and he sleeps great and has had no side effects. He is ADHD and never slept well thru the night before melatonin. It really makes a difference in his behavior as well. I would strongly recommend it.
Insomnia
Posted by Hannah (Vancouver, BC )
★★★★★
Melatonin has also been beneficial to me for sleep. I also use at varying times: -lavender essential oil rubbed into my skin (with a carrier oil) spray lavender water in the bedroom -take a "tea" of honey and apple cider vinegar (adjusting to taste) with water. (1/4 cup does the trick). -another idea, is to turn off the electrical things (like tv, computer etc) an hour before bed to allow the body to slow down and let it's natural melatonin do it's job. Turn off the lights and light a candle and have quiet time an hour before bed. Sweet dreams!
Insomnia
Posted by Rob (Gilbert, Arizona )
★★★★★
Melatonin has been a God-send for me. I'm a terrible insomniac, especially on business trip. I don't like druggy meds, so I tried melatonin several years ago. About 20 minutes after taking one I drifted quite naturally off to sleep. Now, I still take them occassionally, but usually just the thought that they're in the medicine cabinet is enough to relax me to sleep! Melotonin induces the body's 'down time' mechanisms which night owls like me tend to inhibit. Now I know to relax, read a book, watch tv, or just 'chill' about 20 minutes before bed, this behavior allows the body to naturally produce it's own melatonin and drift peacefully to sleep. - sleep tight!
Insomnia
Posted by Lisa (Vero Beach)
★★★★★
I have found melatonin to work well for sleep. Also just heard magnesium prior to sleep works - I will be trying that tonight.
Insomnia
Posted by Stephanie (NC) on 10/20/2005
★★★★★
Melatonin is WONDERFUL! My daughter (11 yrs.) has always had terrible problems going to sleep...until I started her on Melatonin. She takes 1 pill (300 mcg.) about 1-1/2 hrs. before bed and has had no trouble falling asleep since the first time she took Melatonin. Also have a 22 yr. old nephew who has had sleep problems for a few years. He takes a larger dose before bedtime - has been falling asleep at bedtime with no problems since his first dose. What a God-send!!!
Insomnia
Posted by Cathy (Richmond Hill, Canada) on 02/29/2008
★★★★★
Insomnia: My kids have a hard time sleeping at night. I've struggled for about 10 years trying to put my ADHD girl to bed at night. The older she became, the worse it was, telling me to "get lost" when I came in the room at 11:00 p.m. She would just continue on the computer and ignore me. It was very depressing. I had to sleep so I would just go and leave her alone. Her dad didn't help much. Rescue remedy! melatonin! I bought the chewable kind and used to give it to her when I was totally exasperated at 10 or 11 p.m. Now I give it to her at 8 or 8:30 p.m. and now she jumps into bed by 9 or 9:30 p.m. What a miracle! Why did it take me so long to figure that one out? She was sleep deprived for many years!
Insomnia
Posted by Melinda (Tucson, Arizona) on 01/24/2009
★☆☆☆☆
NAY- I have tried Melatonin and I did not find it to be a good alternative for insomnia. Firstly I am on a antidepressant-Lexapro, and I feel like Melatonin really makes my depression worse, and it's effectiveness was inconstant, one time I felt real drowsy and slept good, another time only slept a few hours then woke up again. My boyfriend's Mom also tried it and said it did not work for her either.
Insomnia
Posted by Jeremiah (San Diego, California) on 06/28/2009
★★★★★
I have found that Melatonin is extremely beneficial in helping me get to bed. This is on top of the Seroquel that I already take, which is dosed at 100mg. I usually start off with 3 mgs. of Melatonin, and if that doesn't help, I take another 3 mgs. (because the supplement that I take only comes in 3 mg. tablets).
The usual recommended dose of Melatonin to start with is 5 mgs., and then take it from there. This is a extremely effective supplement, and I would recommend it first before anything else.
