Can you tell me about the supplement Melatonin?

Question

I have trouble sleeping at night, and was considering taking the dietary sopplement Melatonin to help me get sleepy, but still be able to wake up in the morning with no trouble.

Answer 1

I used to work with an anti-aging physician who recommended Melatonin for his clientele with sleep problems.

Unless you are a shiftworker or 40+ years old, Melatonin will probably not help you. It only helps when your body's own natural supply of Melatonin is depleted. Young people...unless they are jet lagged or shiftworkers...just don't have that problem. Their insomnia is generally caused from something else, so Melatonin doesn't help them.

Having said that, if you do fall into one of those categories, Melatonin is very safe. The only time I've heard of people having drowsiness the next day is when they are taking a Melatonin supplement that has other additives in it, like Valerian root.

I'd suggest starting with 3 mg 1/2 hour before bedtime. If you wake up during the night and don't think you'll be able to get back to sleep, repeat with a 1/2 tablet. Try that dosage for a few nights. If it doesn't seem to work for you, increase it to 6 mg at bedtime and 3 mg during the night (if needed). If that doesn't work for you, your insomnia is probably caused by something else.

Answer 2

I tried Melatonin about 10 years ago. it left me sleep the entire next day regardless of the amount of sleep I got. It wasnt only me, as my workout partner at the time also tried it, and both of us were about asleep in the gym.

I work a lot of different shifts now and always have to reset my body clock. I have found that a product called "Simple Sleep" made by Tylenol to be the best for the next day. You need to get a least 7 hours sleep with it still, any less and you may feel tired. It has not become habit forming, except I find myself taking it if I want to get to sleep quick.

Answer 3

I take it sometimes to help me sleep. It doesn't always work, but I don't have any trouble getting up after 8 - 10 hours of sleep.

Answer 4

Then try one mg at a time.
You should only take it for a couple of days in row to reset your internal clock.
Just be careful with it.

Answer 5

takes a few days to start working, you can only use it for a week or so though otherwise your body gets use to it and it doesnt work anymore

Answer 6

Well, if you buy the bottle that has 3mg tablets, I cut it in half. If it ever staops working you can go to a whole one. It works wonders for me, I love it!!!!!!