Melatonin anyone/ - Alternative Medicine Message Board

melanie in mary · 02-15-2009, 06:36 AM

Hello. I take melatonin 3 mg at night for insomnia problems. Does anyone notice how it sometimes doesn't seem to work while sometimes it does? That is the effect it has with me. Does anyone have any ideas that may be helpful? I believe I have delayed sleep phase syndrome, while other times I just do not feel sleepy all night, I have had some success with melatonin though and want to keep with it. Thanks

jenj770 · 02-15-2009, 08:45 AM

How long have you been taking the Melatonin? I think it possible that products may not work as well if taken over a long period of time. If this is the case, it may be useful to switch for awhile. L' Tryptophan, taken at bedtime, is also helpful for sleep issues.

kittywitty · 02-15-2009, 12:03 PM

I agree that if you've been taking it for awhile that it may not work as well. If you take synthetic melatonin long term, your brain stops producing it on its own. After I took it for awhile, I was waking up in the middle of the night. Like most sleep aids, it's only meant to be taken short term until your sleeping patterns get normal. I also agree with the other poster about the tryptophan. This is something that can be taken long term and does help with sleep. I've taken 5-htp (L-5-hydroxytryptophan) and it helped me.

melanie in mary · 02-15-2009, 04:30 PM

thanks. I haven't taken the melatonin for about a month. It seems like my body builds up resistance to things quick!! I just hate having to rely on medicine for something like sleep that should come so natural, and I feel like I have tried alot of things!! I do agree that I should give the melatonin a break and try the tryptophan. Thanks for all your replies.

Michael8466 · 02-17-2009, 04:38 PM

The only thing I got out of this product was the strangest dreams. I stopped taking it.