I just started taking a melatonin supplement for insomnia. I take 6 mg. Are there any side effects and will this make me feel groggy in the morning?? Any other info would be appreciated!
2007-01-30 11:52:00 · 7 answers · asked by Catherine 2 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Also, how long will the "sleepy" effect last?
2007-01-30 11:59:02 · update #1
Generally one starts with 3 mg and if that isn't working takes 5 or so. It is safe in extremely high doses thousands of times this dose according to studies in books I read.
Take 1 hour before you want to go to bed. It is also one of the best antioxidants (destroys free radical damage/ reverses aging, etc)
Some people prefer a timed release version. I never had any side affects, but a nephew who took it (and was getting up 12-17 times a night he said) did sleep through the night but I think he said he quit it cause it gave him headaches. If that does bothers you reduce dose a little..maybe take half a 6 mg pill and see if it still helps you sleep.
If it bothers you still, try breathing lavendar essential oil (real not synthetic, buy at a health food store or online be sure ity is 100% esssential)..sprinkle it liberally on pillows and sheets or on a tissue and breathe deeply for a few minutes. This especially helps if you can't sleep due to worrying about problems or shutting off thoughts.
Alo can put bulb dried lavendar in a sock or little pillow or hops and crush and breathe it. Valarian is also used for sleep. "Take a hot bath with oatmeal in it (or take oats tincture) or chaomile tea with honey. These are all used for insomnia.
2007-01-30 20:14:36 · answer #1 · answered by janie 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
After my husband flat lined, the Dr, gave me sleeping pills, which really didn't do much good except make me groggy and out of sorts. So I went to the health food store and got Melatonin and have had the best nights sleep. They are not addictive, they do not make you groggy, and you feel great. There are no side effects other than when you wake up in the morning and feel like it is the best nights sleep you ever had. That was two years ago. Some nights I take two, some nights one other nights none. But I really do get a good nights sleep. So enjoy your sleep.
Some doctors are prescribing Melatonin instead of sleeping pills, because they are safer. Try 'SleepSense'
2007-01-31 08:13:59 · answer #2 · answered by twentyeight7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Melatonin doesn't do any good if you are not deficient in it already. If your body produces enough melatonin, then the supplements won't do anything for your sleep, because it means your sleep is being disturbed by something else. You might want to think about upping your calcium and Vitamin D supplements, as many people are deficient in those, and they help you relax and often promote more restful sleep. Another couple of supplements that are often helpful for sleep issues are Valerian Root, Hops and PassionFlower. They can be used on an as needed basis, and carry little to no risk of dependancy.
2016-03-28 21:32:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took it one time for a couple of weeks. It worked well and I experienced no side effects at all. I woke up feeling alert and refreshed. The 'sleepy effect' lasted about 6-8 hours so make sure you have at least that much time to sleep. Good luck!
2007-01-30 11:59:53 · answer #4 · answered by flinch 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tried melatonin once, and it didn't work out for me. I had a very fitful night's sleep. I wasn't groggy though. I know other people who swear by it - especially travelers.
2007-01-31 22:36:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It won't make you groggy in the morning.
The effect is counteracted by bright light anyway; they recommend you keep the lights somewhat dim after you take it at night.
2007-01-30 12:27:07 · answer #6 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never actually gotten groggy myself - it is not like a drug. It never gave me any kind of hangover.
2007-01-30 15:10:49 · answer #7 · answered by justbeingher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋