Melatonin - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Carena · 03-18-2009, 04:35 AM

Does anyone know if it helps to induce sleep?

I heard that some studies claim melatonin is destroyed by stomach juices and therefore is useless.

Has anyone tried it? Did you feel any effects?

papillon09 · 03-21-2009, 11:09 PM

I've been on it for two years- it does absolutely nothing!! My psychiatrist would't let me stop them though as she was convinced they would work- i ow have stopped them and am changing psychiatrists

bethsheba · 03-22-2009, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papillon09

... My psychiatrist would't let me stop them though as she was convinced they would work- i ow have stopped them and am changing psychiatrists

Sounds like an excellent decision!

bethsheba · 03-22-2009, 05:49 AM

Melatonin is highly overated as a sleep aid....melatonin, administered for a variety of sleep problems, is rated by our government a "C" which means that there is unclear scientific evidence for this kind of use.

Side Effects and Warnings...There are lots and lots of these (according to the Federal Drug Administration)..fatigue, dizziness, headache, irritability, and sleepiness, disorientation, confusion, sleepwalking, vivid dreams, and nightmares;infection; difficulties with walking and balance; mood changes; psychotic symptoms; and the list goes on.

Given the iffy rating and the lenghthy list of side effects, I personally wouldn't risk taking this supplement for sleep problems...or for the many other conditions it is "supposed" to treat.
Bethsheba