Melatonin

Anyone have a view on Melatonin ?

I've got the breathing part of my sleeping well under control. Waking after a few hours - and then fragmented sleep thereafter seems to be my biggest problem at the moment.

I've been thinking about ordering one of the sustained- release melatonin caps - via eBay or amazon.

I did take melatonin (sublingual) back in the 90's when I was living in US and doing lots traveling - jet lag. But that was years before I was diagnosed with OSA.

Anyone on CPAP also using melatonin ?? I'd be very interested to hear your experiences/ comments.

If you have a naturopathic doctor ask them what dose they recommend and if it's OK with any potential existing conditions. For example one probably shouldn't take Melatonin if they have or have had liver issues or seizures. What have you tried towards better sleep?

I used 3mg Melatonin when I first started CPAP. I thought that it helped me fall asleep, but it didn't help me stay asleep.

I use melatonin quite a bit. The sleep doc didn't say it was a problem. It helps me sleep through the night.

Melatonin was recommended for me by a medical professional. She advised taking no more than 3 mg. She stated that if you take a higher dose than 3 mg., it can actually have just the opposite effect and keep you awake. -Chuck-

I use a very small dose every night. When I tried a 3mg pill a couple times I had very fitful sleep with nightmares. Just based on that experience, I suggest if you decide to take it, start small and work your way up so you can determine your tolerance level.

Are you on any meds known to be detrimental to sleep architecture? Any problems with your legs moving a lot at night? You may have insomnia, or there may be a specific cause for your sleep problems that can be resolved. Hope you narrow it down and get some sustained sleep.

I use 5mg everynight to go to sleep, cant go to sleep without it. I recommend it highly!! My sleep doctor told me its perfectly safe!

kteague wrote:I use a very small dose every night. When I tried a 3mg pill a couple times I had very fitful sleep with nightmares. Just based on that experience, I suggest if you decide to take it, start small and work your way up so you can determine your tolerance level.

Are you on any meds known to be detrimental to sleep architecture? Any problems with your legs moving a lot at night? You may have insomnia, or there may be a specific cause for your sleep problems that can be resolved. Hope you narrow it down and get some sustained sleep.

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Good point, kteague. That was the same advise given to me by a medical professional. Start small, with 1mg., then 2 mg., etc... Until you get to the right level for you. -Chuck-

I take 5mg a few hours before bedtime. It relaxes me and helps me fall asleep. However, it doesn't help me stay asleep.

I usually am gone (to sleep) before the room even gets dark, but occassionally will awaken in the middle of the night. If I'm not back to sleep in 15 to 20min or so, I'll pop 3mg of melatonin and go back to sleep very quickly. My sleep Doc says if thats what it takes to get you to sleep or keep you asleep, then do it. Sleep is important to your health.

shb wrote:Anyone have a view on Melatonin ?

I've got the breathing part of my sleeping well under control. Waking after a few hours - and then fragmented sleep thereafter seems to be my biggest problem at the moment.

I've been thinking about ordering one of the sustained- release melatonin caps - via eBay or amazon.

I did take melatonin (sublingual) back in the 90's when I was living in US and doing lots traveling - jet lag. But that was years before I was diagnosed with OSA.

Anyone on CPAP also using melatonin ?? I'd be very interested to hear your experiences/ comments.

Negative. It is not a replacement for living a good life with good diet, exercise and otherwise good sleep hygiene.

Google "sleep hygiene" and make sure you practice it well every day and night.

My Sleep doctor put me on 10 mg of Melatonin.. I found I was tired all day (still am but I think that is Thyroid related not medicine related) I do only take half a pill every night though.. I still wake up threw out the night but not as many times..

This is the stuff I have...

http://www.amazon.com/Natrol-Advanced-S ... 069&sr=8-3

I'm taking a prescription sleeping pill and would like to get off it completely. I would like to try Melatonin but unable to buy it in Japan due to regulations. Can anyone recommend a good brand to take, and without any added chemicals?
Thanks!
Emeraude

emeraude wrote:I'm taking a prescription sleeping pill and would like to get off it completely. I would like to try Melatonin but unable to buy it in Japan due to regulations. Can anyone recommend a good brand to take, and without any added chemicals?
Thanks!
Emeraude

Have you downloaded the software from the ResMed site to check on the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy? You want to make sure it is highly effective before chasing pharma solutions.

NightMonkey wrote:

emeraude wrote:I'm taking a prescription sleeping pill and would like to get off it completely. I would like to try Melatonin but unable to buy it in Japan due to regulations. Can anyone recommend a good brand to take, and without any added chemicals?
Thanks!
Emeraude

Have you downloaded the software from the ResMed site to check on the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy? You want to make sure it is highly effective before chasing pharma solutions.

Hey there NightMonkey,

Yes, I have but I'm trying to interpret the data now. It seems the leak rate is high so am trying to work out the reason for it. My doctor here has prescribed Benzalin/Nitrazepam for me, but would like to get off it. My problem is falling asleep, it usually takes time...so I wanted to try something else.

http://www.flexyx.com/B/Benzalin.html

Cheers,
Emeraude