I’ve used melatonin for years. It’s the best jet lag adjustment I’ve found, considering that jet lag involves much more than just your sleeping schedule.

No side effects from melatonin.

I tryed it for the first time just the other day. It was a great help getting to sleep, but I took two tablets of 3mg, which is too much for me, I was groggy in the morning and had a hard time “getting going”.

I have used Rozerem, the prescription drug that mimics melatonin in the brain. I liked it a lot. It did not make me feel “drugged” like Ambien did, and I slept well all night, with no signs of tolerance or dependence (though I did not take it every night). It did tend to make me a little sleepy in the morning.

If I try a sleep aid again, I’ll try melatonin — no point paying extra for Rozerem when the real thing is available.

I’ve had a sleeping disorder as part of bipolar illness for years. My psychiatrist had me on about ten drugs at once, still I ended up going over a week without an ounce of sleep. After some ECT to detox my body from all the meds, I was stable (now for 3 years) and on Trazadone and Klonapin to aid sleep. Still the amount of trazadone (300mg) & klonapin (3mg.) seemed high. Then a new doctor reccommended melatonin and L-Tryptophan. I take the supplements a half hour before bed, and have been able to reduce the dosages of the meds. I now get a solid 9 hour sleep each night.

The only side effect I’ve experienced with melatonin is having very vivid dreams. It’s certainly a great alternative to full on chemical sleep aids.

After reading this post, I headed out to buy some melatonin strips.
I’m going to test them out tonight!

Alicia, what brand of strips did you use, and how did you pick?

Great post.

When I take 3mg of melatonin, I tend to be very sleepy the whole following day. I suppose I could take 1mg, I will try this again. Anyway, it always puts me to sleep within 30-60 minutes, unless I fight the effect. I have to check whether the liver catabolises the compound, if so mine might be a bit slow :p What is known about the combined effect of alcohol and melatonin? Anyone knows anything? I only take tablets, have no strips.

I am 60 and take melatonin every night (for years now). Here’s my 2 cents’ worth.

It’s best to start with 1 mg and work up to what works best for you. If you can only find 3 mg tablets, cut them in half or cut off about a third.

Vivid dreams can indicate you’re taking too much, but not necessarily. For me, it’s unpleasant vivid dreams that cause me to cut back.

If I am somewhat sleep-deprived already, I need less melatonin that night(s).

I have tried Ambien, Rozerem, and Sonata. Meltaonin works best for me. (Ambien is for short-term use only anyway.) Be ‘best’ I mean best mental clarity and energy in the daytime.

If you feel groggy after you get up for the day, stand in the sun for a while (with a hat on if you can’t face away, sleeves or sunscreen as needed) or under a very bright light. It will help your body metabolize it ‘away’.

I am eternally grateful to the biochemists who make melatonin for the rest of us!

Thanks for including the info about the Melatonin page on the Mayo Clinic web site.

As they say “There is limited study of melatonin supplements in children, and safety is not established” but we used to give half a pill of melatonin to our son on long flights (over six hours) to help him fall asleep. Otherwise it would be a flight from hell for us and everyone who would be sitting around us because he just could not fall asleep on the plane. Benadryl has an opposite effect on him (I wonder if that’s the artificial coloring) and a prescription sleep medicine we got from a pediatrician didn’t work either, that’s why we went for melatonin. We did that first when he was three till just about recently when he’s big enough to occupy himself with books or games. It was always interesting to see how quickly it works — he would quiet down almost immediately, and within ten minutes or so he’d start blinking and fall asleep. I haven’t seen side effects, except maybe increased sleepiness at the destination for one day but that could have been a jet lag as well.

I also read a lot of posts on discussion boards for parents of kids with either AHDH or autism that they regularly give melatonin to their children at night because otherwise the kids have a very hard time falling asleep.

Thank you too, Alicia, for giving us good information and links about sleep, a subject near and dear to the hearts of millions!

There is old but relevant information (and references) about melatonin in Ray Sahelian, MD’s book on the subject as well as in ‘The Vita-Nutrient Solution’ by Robert Atkins, MD, of diet fame. Both can sometimes be found at or ordered from sellers of used books.

I was on Ambien for almost 2 years. It became quite addictive and I misused it frequently. Finally, I had enough and just stopped taking it and told my doc to never prescribe it again. Melatonin doesn’t really work for me and I’m rather cranky the next day. Does anyone else experience a bad mood?

I work nights so I actually use melatonin on a regular basis to help keep me sleeping for more than 3 hours during the day. I bought mine at a herbal store for under $10. It works wonders. I wouldn’t suggest it to someone who really didn’t need it though as its like putting wood on a fire thats roaring. I found this website helpful, mainly as it talks about dosage. It explains why you’re cranky or groggy after taking it.

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/circadian-rhythm-disorders/circadian-rhythm-sleep-disorders/10-how-to-use-melatonin-correctly.htm

My 8 year old takes medication for ADHD but was having problems going to sleep. I was worried that her pediatrician would give her a prescription sleep aid but instead he suggested Melatonin. I was amazed that it works so well for her. She has been taking it for 2 years now. She is never groggy in the morning and she says it helps her mind slow down so she can sleep. We started with 1 mg and worked up to 3 mg. I even use it occasionally and sleep so well with it. I always buy it at GNC. They have the 1 mg pills that dissolve under your tongue (cherry flavored).

Well, I was problems for weeks on can’t get to sleep and only sleeping for maybe 3 hours before waking and staying up all day and be exhausted.I took 3mg of melatonin to help me with my sleep issues.AND I found no luck i did’nt fall asleep with it actually i counldn’t sleep at all. I got no sleep that night so my doctor said, I t wasn’t strong enough for me.Now i’m taking Ambien CR. It really works falling asleep but i woke up at 5:30 in the morning, so maybe I need a higher dose?Or i should try Lunesta,

I have been having a hard time getting to sleep and seem to wake up every 1 1/2 hours or so. I bought the Time Released 5 MG melatonin as the pharmacist suggested that. I took it 2 nights and it didn’t do anything. I’m wondering if I just need to take it for several nights for it to take effect - or if I dare just take 2 pills which would be 10 MG. I would think the dosage would also have something to do with a person’s weight wouldn’t it?

I tried melatonin for a while, because I have problems falling asleep. But after a few days I felt really strange in my head, like everything was more dream-like. So I stopped taking it and everything went back to normal.

If you have trouble sleeping why not try something that really works?

There is a product called “Sleep Once Again” that is a healthy alternative to expensive sleeping pill

prescriptions or other medications. Made from natural ingredients, its easy to use & quick dissolve strips

will get you to sleep in 15 minutes or less.

Try it now and get a good night sleep every night, every time, i swear by it. Currently they are doing a trial backed by a 30 day guarantee.

My days and nights are backwards I’m so far off schedule now, partly because I do not work at a day job due to partial disability. I’ve used up to 9 mgs. of melatonin with no appreciable effects. However, that’s not the whole story. I am 55 now, around age 40 I was told my pineal gland is calcified (so i DO have rocks in my head). Since the pineal gland secretes and regulates melatonin where does this leave me. I know elderly people do not get as much good sleep and it has been speculated that calcification of the pineal gland is part of the problem.

Can anyone tell me what i can do to find a safe, “green” way to get decent sleep. I would be so glad to figure out if I am just stuck with rocks in my head or if there is a way to get around a defective pineal gland??!!

I recently quit daily/heavy use of cannabis after about 2 years. I used it throughout the day and very much so at night right before sleep to just knock myself out.

I am 21, and i am not looking for the typical, ” this could be a underlying prob for many other mental issues”. I am healthy, getting a great education at a university and just a normal guy.

In college I have also had a increased in my drinking habbits. I have a few strong drinks a couple nights a week, usually if i do not have the cannabis to deliver the knock out blow for a good rest and productive next day (which alcohol does not provide).

Anywho, I have done significant research and have come to the conclusion that marijuana is addictive and will have withdrawl symptoms for some people, me included. Now sleeping is EXTREMELY annoying sober and i need to get into a natural routine without meds or anything. Think melatonin for 2-4weeks each night to help aid in sleeping and getting a new routine would be beneficial?

appreciate the quick response and dealing with many grammer errors in my first post ha!

Oh well, i went out and bought a bottle of 3mg melatonin with 25mg L Theanine and i have taken 2 of the pills with no success (i am still awake). Looks like i may have to tough this one out and just wait to I get readjusted to the normal cycles.

Thanks for the help and good luck all.

sweet dreams.

I read that rozeram can be given in twenty times the recomended dose. According to my pill book. that says to me it is garbage. at 100.00 a bottle I refuse to pay for garbage. Damn drug companies

Been taking Melatonin from 300 mcg to 3 Mg every night for 10 yrs. I have not seen studies on long term use and I am now questioning my usage. It is after all a hormone and powerful. It does work for sleep. I think it is best to take sparingly or take lowest dose possible.

I hope this correspondence finds you well. Thanks for your time today. Before I get too far, please allow me the opportunity to introduce myself for formal sake. I am a practicing Physician Assistant in Sleep Medicine in the Oklahoma City area with experience in Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Primary Care, Urgent Care and Sleep Medicine. I also am the Director of Clinical Research for Graymark Health Care, which owns and operates 15 Sleep Specialty Centers in three states. My training includes a Masters Degree in Biological Psychology and Neuroscience and a Masters Degree in Health Sciences from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. But, enough about me.

I want to take a moment of your time and introduce Enlyten. Enlyten is a revolutionary technology launched into the public arena January 9, 2009. I am talking about R.A.S.E.R (Rapid Acting Side Effect Reducing) technology. Enyten is a technological advancement not seen in some time. The technology was developed in part by Rob Davidson, one of the individuals responsible for Zicam.

R.A.S.E.R. and enlyten incorporate a dual layer matrix for delivery of vitamins, OTC pharmaceuticals and medications, herbals and natural products placed on patent pending dissolving strips for rapid absorption into the buccal mucosa (between cheek and gum). The buccal delivery system is the most effective and rapid delivery portal for all oral medications and supplements.

The technology is patent pending and has been studied at such places as K-Labs at Duke Unuiversity, the NFL and the Uniformed Armed Services. No pills, no capsules, no drinks, no gels, no powders, just dissolving strips.

The multi-layer dissolving strip technology of enlyten products is not only amazing, but has the potential to change the face of vitamin, supplement, herbal, OTC and prescription product oral delivery.

Although the products, technology and opportunity are best discussed in person or even initially by phone if necessary, please take a moment to investigate http://www.enlyten.com/2031 and http://www.healthsportinc.com.

You may have been exposed to the enlyten products either recently or in the past. If not I would love to set aside some time to get with you. Currently four products are available, an energy strip, a melatonin strip, an antioxidant strip and an electrolyte strip. 50 more products have completed R&D and will launch over the next two years. WOW!

Let me know what you think or if you or others you know might be interested. I am confident enlyten can be of benefit to a large number of folks. I want to thank you in advance for taking time to read this correspondence. I look forward to speaking further with you.

enlyten_okc@yahoo.com

Hi,

I just wanted to let you all know that the melatonin is made in strips called sleep once again… there is a free trial going on now online its $5.00 for shipping and you get 3 packets of the strips ( 3 month supply) You sleep sooooo good with these it is the best. I have had the worst time trying to sleep, my doctor wrote me prescriptions and they wouldn’t do the trick, either I would not fall asleep or I would wake up an hour after taking the pills, but with in 30 minutes of taking the strip I was OUT. I woke up the next morning and felt like I slept all day, it felt great! Good luck to all of my fellow insomnia sufferers.

Yeah, I use the name Foggy but never thought how appropriate it now seems to be when I cannot sleep!!! I never in my many decades of life had sleeping problems. But I am on Ciprofloxacin for a bladder infection. I believe the Cipro is my real problem which I believe is causing my problems. Need to suffer another 3 days of that stuff before I can stop.

I have a small prescription for Ambien which I took the last two nights. GREAT SLEEP!!! Thought I would try 3 mg of Melatonin thinking it would be less risky just in case stopping Cipro fails to return sleeping.

Yes, it is less risky but much less effective! I CANNOT GET TO SLEEP USING 3 mg of Melatonin. Maybe I need a higher dosage.

Never in my wild imaginations did I ever expect to have sleeping problems. Got to look into strips if I can find them and also need to get an extended prescription of Ambien.

I’ve been on lorazepam for twenty years for sleep disorder. I have reduced my dose to 3 mgs per night, but want to switch to melatonin. Since I have to discontinue lorazepam SLOWLY can I take melatonin while I begin the cut back (.5mg 2 weeks at a time.)Any experience with this? Please.

Melatonin gets me to sleep but doesn’t keep me asleep. what will help this?

I am an 18 year old college student and have been suffering from insomnia for years now. I don’t want to take a strong prescription sleep aid, and nyquil and benedryl don’t even do it for me anymore. My dad gave me melatonin and it works AMAZING. i sleep all night and I don’t need a nap the next day. It does give me pretty vivid dreams though and if I try to stay awake after taking it I develope a nauseous feeling

I would like to say a few words about all the sleep aids out there…one that is the biggest rip off is SLEEP ONCE AGAIN….there web site says free trial package…once they get your credit card, they charge you a full payment which you never get back…I canceled and said I was sending it back and the crook on the other end said don’t send it back, we will refund you full amount,,,right…never heard from them again…also, it doesn’t work.

I take Melatonin regularly, 3 3Mg nightly. I take them @ 30 minutes before bedtime, sleep like a rock, have never had a side effect. 3 MG is a very weak solution for me, three puts me out in 30 minutes.

I developed sleeping problems after I hit 60 and prefer this to prescription medications.

Melatonin has been wonderful.
I have bought it at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and most places where vitamins are sold. Best price has been Walmart, far less than other stores.

I have suddenly started experiencing major sleep issues. I have only slept about 20 hours over the last four days. Is melatonin the best thing to take just once or twice to help get back to my normal schedule, or simply to just get some much-needed rest?

Normally I sleep fine (7-8 hours a night) and I have only ever sparingly taken Excedrin PM in the past to help on the occasional sleepless nights.

I have had great success using melatonin. I used it while the stress of my line of work worsened my inability to fall asleep quickly. Many think this creates a dependency. But after quitting that line of work and finding it not so difficult to fall asleep, I stopped using it and continued sleeping OK. But I may use it again to increase my deep sleep cycle and sleep less.

does melatonin help you from the withdraws of vicodin

been taking 4 5mg’s of vicodin for about 3years my biggest fear was having to deal with the withdraws which i did before it was a nightmare been taking melatonin for the past to days to go to sleep works super good and i have a high tollerence thanks alicia for all the help.

i have always had trouble sleeping and took ambien for years, but disliked the grogginess i experienced. have found that a tea of chamomile and skullcap is effective for me BUT you need to use whole leaf organic herbs that have not been irradiated, as the radiation will reduce the effectiveness of the useful compounds in the herbs. the tea needs to be strong. i use 1 T chamomile flowers and 1/2 T skullcap. place in a cloth teabag or strainer, pour boiling water over, cover the mug with a saucer and allow to steep for at least ten minutes. drink about 15 minutes before you want to go to sleep. don’t bother with commercially prepared tea bags… if you must use them, get organic non-irradiated bags and use several per cup