anyone here regularly use some sort of sleep aid?

I have terrible sleep maintenance issues for whatever reason.
Could be depression, anxiety, but i refuse to take SSRIs.
The only the that helps me is low dose melatonin (.3 mg) and valerian root. (not at the same time).

I dont want to take neither long term continually, so it seems like the only option for me is to cycle them in.
My plan is to probably do 2 weeks melatonin, stop, then do 2 weeks valerian. Then cycle back. That way, i am only using a substance 2 weeks at a time, then take 2 weeks off before going back on.

Not the best, however it seems better than cycling SSRis or other sleeping pills.

By sleeping aid, I assume you mean something other than an xPAP....

for me at least the CPAP doesn't affect my sleep issues, so at the very least i dont have anything to discourage me from using it

I have used a variety of sleep aids. Like you I try to rotate them around so my body doesn't get too used to them. Hops is one I have used besides the ones you mentioned and passion flower.

tuzacat wrote:I have used a variety of sleep aids. Like you I try to rotate them around so my body doesn't get too used to them. Hops is one I have used besides the ones you mentioned and passion flower.

what is your rotate schedule look like?
IE how many substances, and how long do you use them before switching, how long before you get back on?
Thanks

If low dose Melatonin works...keep taking it. Melatonin is naturally produced by your body. I have been taking 3mg at bedtime for over 3 years without problems.

LSAT wrote:If low dose Melatonin works...keep taking it. Melatonin is naturally produced by your body. I have been taking 3mg at bedtime for over 3 years without problems.

you have taken it for 3 years straight, with no breaks?

A small bite of a special brownie before bed. Works like a charm.

I take Schiff Melatonin Ultra Theanine GABA Sleep Support which I get from Costco in a big bottle occasionally. Rarely daily as there are many days where I just fall asleep with no assistance, but after a very technical day with lots of complex problems it can help sometimes.

I don't really have a schedule. I am constantly trying things. For instance, there is a product called Pain-eze which has California Poppy in it that has helped or another one for relaxation from Dr. Christopher. Right now I'm rotating hops, Pain-eze, and Valerian nightly. I also take magnesium, calcium, and proteolytic enzymes before bed. If I have a bad night I'll take a Sonata. If it's really bad I'll also take Flexeril. I prefer not to take the drugs but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

I think it is a mistake to cycle through a bunch of different things. I think you are much better off using a supplement for a while and see how it works. when you change/stop/alter on a regular basis, you will never really know what is working or working against you.

Kind of like making adjustments to your Cpap. make a small change and then use it a couple days since 1 day is not enough of a sample.

Krelvin wrote:I think it is a mistake to cycle through a bunch of different things. I think you are much better off using a supplement for a while and see how it works. when you change/stop/alter on a regular basis, you will never really know what is working or working against you.

Kind of like making adjustments to your Cpap. make a small change and then use it a couple days since 1 day is not enough of a sample.

that is a good point, but there is also the tricky balance where once you use a supplement too long, it stops working. So i feel like there is a needs to be some line where you use it enough so that it becomes effective (like valerian becomes more effective after a few weeks), but prolonged it will eventually stop working

<Removed by Admin> wrote:

LSAT wrote:If low dose Melatonin works...keep taking it. Melatonin is naturally produced by your body. I have been taking 3mg at bedtime for over 3 years without problems.

you have taken it for 3 years straight, with no breaks?

YES.......................Always confirm with your doctor first. I don't see any reason to "break".

ohbrian wrote:A small bite of a special brownie before bed. Works like a charm.

I tried that 'special brownie' trick for awhile but MJ is unpredictable for me and tends to cause anxiety, especially in the food form cuz you can't immediately judge how buzzed you are. Neither can you trust the providers to get the strength of the herb the same from day to day, month to month. Hey, some folks tolerate it well and it puts them to sleep, so a big 'thumbs up' to them (blunts up?).

LSAT wrote:

<Removed by Admin> wrote:

LSAT wrote:If low dose Melatonin works...keep taking it. Melatonin is naturally produced by your body. I have been taking 3mg at bedtime for over 3 years without problems.

you have taken it for 3 years straight, with no breaks?

YES.......................Always confirm with your doctor first. I don't see any reason to "break".

do you use melatonin primarily for sleep onset, sleep maintenance, or both?