Go Back  Airline Pilot Central Forums > Pilot Lounge > Pilot Health
Melatonin for sleep assistance >

Melatonin for sleep assistance

Notices
Pilot Health FAA medical; health topics

Melatonin for sleep assistance

Old 03-13-2006, 02:12 PM
  #1  
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
 
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: Austin Tower
Posts: 175
Thumbs up Melatonin for sleep assistance

I've seen a few threads regarding various sleep aids, but I've not seen anything regarding MELATONIN. Some of the guys here at MEM have used it after "quick turns" or mid-shifts, and most have reported very good results.

After conducting a little Internet research, I decided to give this supplement a try. I took one 3mg capsule before bedtime, and within 30 minutes was feeling very drowsy. My dreams that night were very vivid and abundant. Wake-up was initially very groggy, but I was wide awake and alert by the time my coffee was finished brewing. The day went off without a hitch, and I felt very good.

There were no bad side effects for me, but your mileage might vary. Google it and then try it yourself.

MEM_ATC
AUS_ATC is offline  
Old 03-13-2006, 10:28 PM
  #2  
APC co-founder
 
Freight Dog's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Feb 2005
Position: 747-400 captain
Posts: 1,383
Default

For most people I've talked to that use Melatonin it does help, but for some it doesn't work at all. It works for me, too, but only if I'm at least halfway drowsy. You're right about the wake-ups: I'm a bit drowsy for about 20 minutes.
Freight Dog is offline  
Old 03-14-2006, 08:16 AM
  #3  
Gets Weekends Off
 
de727ups's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Position: UPS 757/767 Capt ONT
Posts: 4,357
Default

I tried it. Didn't do anything for me.
de727ups is offline  
Old 03-14-2006, 08:38 AM
  #4  
Gets Weekends Off
 
koz2000's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Aug 2005
Position: Airbus F/O
Posts: 297
Default

I talked to a MD that said if you take too many mg that it is not as effective as a lower dose. His recommendation was 3-5mg. The ones I bought were 30mg so I break them up. The other rec is to take it 45min-1hr before you want to sleep.

Last edited by koz2000; 03-18-2006 at 06:44 AM.
koz2000 is offline  
Old 03-14-2006, 09:28 AM
  #5  
APC co-founder
 
HSLD's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Feb 2005
Position: B777
Posts: 5,853
Default

Originally Posted by koz2000
I talked to a MD that said if you take too many mg that it is not as effective as a lower dose. His recommendation was 3-5mg. The ones I bought were 30mg so I break them up. The other rec is to take it 45min-1hr before you want to sleep.
Years ago I read some of the clinical publications on trials using Melatonin as a sleep aid, the doses are in the PICO-gram range not milligram. I recall that higher doses were not any more effective than the .9 mg doses used in the trials (your MD has been reading scientific lit. cool!).

The other thing is that the OTC remedy is sold as a supplement and not as medicine, there is no way to know what you're getting and what the dosage really is (not regulated by the FDA).

Finally, there was some concern about the long term effects of a hormone that crosses the blood/brain barrier that caused researchers to suggest additional studies (don't they always). One thing they did note is that the supplements caused the pineal gland to stop producing melatonin naturally.
HSLD is offline  
Old 03-14-2006, 11:13 PM
  #6  
Line Holder
 
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 74
Default

im too lazy to read the above posts... but man melatonin effs you up when you snort it and mix it with....


no, i'm kidding. melatonin is awesommmeeeeeee I take it nights before big exams when im not cramming!

i should prolly read the above posts so i know what the heck is going on in this post.... but meh.....
aspiring_pilot is offline  
Old 03-14-2006, 11:14 PM
  #7  
Line Holder
 
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Posts: 74
Default

okay i scanned.... do some research as i did a while back.... apparently (and according to MIT) the IDEAL dosage is 1.3? or 1.8? mg. MIT also has the patent on that dosage, but THEIR studies show that it is the most effective. so chop that 3 in half bubba
aspiring_pilot is offline  
Old 03-15-2006, 08:53 AM
  #8  
New boss = Old boss
 
mike734's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Mar 2005
Position: Ca B737
Posts: 2,762
Default

Melatonin pills are not regulated by anyone, let alone the FDA. Just because the bottle says 3mg is not guarantee there is any Melatonin in it. I have taken three 3mg pills with no effect. I had high hopes for it but remain unconvinced. I think I should try a different brand because I would really like to find a "natural" sleep aid.
mike734 is offline  
Old 03-15-2006, 10:08 AM
  #9  
On Reserve
 
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: Retired from USAF & United
Posts: 15
Default I've used it @ time's with a little success. I've also >

been told that anything over 1mg is a waste which I found true. Look in a good health food store for the best quality.
JonC is offline  
Old 07-31-2016, 11:25 AM
  #10  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Apokleros's Avatar
 
Joined APC: Apr 2012
Position: ERJ
Posts: 383
Default

Will over-the-counter melatonin supplements show up on standard airline-issued drug tests? Never used them before...just want to be 100% certain that they're safe.
Apokleros is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bengalsfan
Major
2
08-02-2005 05:32 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Your Privacy Choices