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

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.

I tried it. Didn't do anything for me.

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.

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.....

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

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.

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.:D

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.