Sleep Supplements: Still exploring... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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Sleep Supplements

SherryKahn profile image
42 Replies

Still exploring sleep options for sleep deprived tired hubby. Am exploring CBN/CBD oil Head and Heal and also exploring as back up if these don't work Camino THC/ CBD gummies. Any other suggestions appreciated. Also unsure of drug interaction as he is on Orgovyx, Zytega, Cylais, Flomax, prednisone. Any input appreciated.

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SherryKahn profile image
SherryKahn
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42 Replies
dockam profile image
dockam

This is what I use, I do a 1/4 at first, then another 1/4 if needed

cannaaidshop.com/collection...

QoL on

Delta 9/CBD gummies
fast_eddie profile image
fast_eddie in reply todockam

Looks good but they have shipping limitations, it seems.

dockam profile image
dockam in reply tofast_eddie

Oh, just looked and CA is not on there, but I got a bag of it 😜

dockam profile image
dockam in reply tofast_eddie

Try here: apotheca.org/product/cannaa...

ARIES29 profile image
ARIES29

Melatonin, 2,4,or 10mg before bed works for me.

Kaliber profile image
Kaliber

I use melatonin nightly, and have Xanax which makes sleep easier as well.

This is a topic that you can discuss with your palliative care doctor or your oncologist as well. There are many prescription sleep aids that your palliative team will be familiar with and prescribe frequently. For guys like us , our palliative care team is extremely helpful.

❤️❤️❤️

cfsteak profile image
cfsteak

Sublingual melatonin 3mg , The key for me was the sublingual part, I thought they were chewable's and they really didn't help but I happen to read the directions once and since then they really seem to help. I let one melt under my tongue about 30 minutes before pillow time

reconjj profile image
reconjj

I take 1 gummie , 3 pills of Magnesium Glycinate made by Organics ocean and a tablespoon of Manuka Honey . I sleep well .

KSam59 profile image
KSam59

I used Wyld’s elderberry gummies to get and stay asleep. Most e ery cannabis shop carries them.

stealthrider profile image
stealthrider in reply toKSam59

same, work well

fireandice123 profile image
fireandice123

I take melatonin 10 mg/night. That usually works. Occasionally I’ve added cannabis sleep gummies - THC, CBD, CBN, and passionflower extract. They worked well too. They make me very relaxed.

I usually don’t have trouble falling asleep. My problem starts when I have to get up in the middle of the night to urinate. I have trouble falling back to sleep.

32Percenter profile image
32Percenter in reply tofireandice123

Look at using time-released melatonin. I switched to it at 10mg a night and I fall back asleep after the mid-sleep bathroom trip now.

jazj profile image
jazj

Physical exercise can do wonders as you'll be tired from it at the end of the day. But as others say, melatonin is the solution with least (basically no) side effects (as little as 0.75 mg [750 mcg] can be effective but you can experiment and change the dose however and whenever up to hundreds of mgs but those levels people take for purportedly anti-cancer effects, 1-5mg is typical for sleep improvement.) Getting an extended release version is optimal.

Aside from the other suggestions, Ambien (zolpidem) has a very short half life of 2 hours so you don't wake up groggy and it doesn't build up in your system creating withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking a single dose at night. It's best for getting to sleep as due to the short half life, some people that don't sleep soundly may still wake up in the middle of the night. They make an extended release version for those people or you can opt for Lunesta which is a very similar drug that is longer acting. Don't drink any alcohol before taking those, especially Ambien. Lots of reports people doing weird stuff sleep walking on Ambien, most commonly if they had a drink or two prior but can sometimes happen without. That's why they say go straight to be after you take it.

Aside from the exercise, I would start with a 3mg extended release Melatonin, maybe try a 5mg if that doesn't work and then consider the prescription drugs if Melatonin doesn't do the trick.

Aelement97 profile image
Aelement97

Have you tried sustained release melatonin tablets?

I find they work pretty well.

ARIES29 profile image
ARIES29 in reply toAelement97

I find myself nodding off the next day with the sustained release version, but at 76 i guess it does no harm.

London441 profile image
London441

Sleep aids! I’ve tried everything there is, including the old school barbiturates they don’t make anymore for a reason. But that was 50 years ago and it wasn’t for sleeping😀

Since diagnosis and treatment I’ve had intermittent success with CBD/CBN, Lunesta, repurposed low dose antidepressants and over the counter sleep meds. However in the end no drugs or supplements, plenty of exercise and no late meals works better than anything for me.

Now obviously there are those among us who have ailments and conditions that prohibit movement but they are few compared to those who simply (and somewhat understandably) have given to the fatigue from the aches, injuries, aging and especially the ADT drugs in particular.

The problem is at our age if we hit the chair all the time, then sleep, we lose muscle strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance at a highly accelerating rate.

Of course I advocate for strenuous regular exercise, the regulars on here know that. However, much more importantly, ANY at all is supremely better than none. Even walking can work wonders compared to being consistently sedentary-the single worst thing you can do to your health.

Of the aids, the ever popular gummies and other THC/CBD/CBN products are no doubt the safest options, and so readily available nowadays.

Diazepam, opiates etc work beautifully but the tolerance, constipation and habit forming they can induce with regular use is treacherous, and the risk isn’t worth it IMO. But that’s just me.

Having a good palliative care doc is also very helpful as has been said. Great luck to you both!

tayninhtom profile image
tayninhtom

200 mg gabapentin, prescribed by my primary. works wonders. Used cannabis for years but gaba is better.

VanHalen84 profile image
VanHalen84

I also have nerve issues and have to sleep in a reclined position. To sleep I use thc/cbd gummies works well for me. Start with 1 gummy and it takes about 90 minutes to kick in.

T911 profile image
T911

My problem is staying asleep and not falling asleep. Switched to extended release melatonin 10mg. It made a huge difference over the regular melatonin. Side effect of either dosage is sometimes dreams are enhanced. Like going to the movies, tough to explain

85745 profile image
85745

Melotonin I start with low dose 2mg. also helps with the cancer. do research it . I take it hour before bed time. Works for me also take magnesium and Apigenin . another one is L- Theanine for relaxing. My doing theResearch suggested anti cancer and well being effects on all. my research showed- CBD in that complete form may not be good for cancer. Go to Ultra Botanica ck out there Ultra Hemp. read watch there videos on the subject - I made the switch do to these concerns.

DesertDaisy profile image
DesertDaisy

Fortunately, my husband has no trouble sleeping, but I always have. This is what I use and it has been a life saver. I'm small and I use one gummy. thecbdistillery.com/product...

KocoPr profile image
KocoPr

I find that the fast acting melatonin liquid drops put me right out. When i need to get up to pee which we all do I know all i have to do is take a dropper of this

amazon.com/Life-Extension-F...

gsun profile image
gsun in reply toKocoPr

I ordered this. I have the problem of falling back asleep sometimes too. How long does it take to work?

KocoPr profile image
KocoPr in reply togsun

I would say around 5 minutes. Hard to tell because next thing i know im waking up hours later and cant remember falling asleep

KocoPr profile image
KocoPr

Also it helps to know the mechanism of action of melatonin

from ChatGPT “How is melatonin produced in the body “

Melatonin is a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Here’s how melatonin is produced in the body:

Melatonin Production Process

1. Tryptophan Uptake:

• The process begins with tryptophan, an essential amino acid obtained from dietary protein.

• Tryptophan is transported to the brain and converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter.

2. Serotonin Conversion:

• In the pineal gland, serotonin is transformed into melatonin through the following enzymatic steps:

1. N-Acetyltransferase (NAT) converts serotonin into N-acetylserotonin.

2. Hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) (also called ASMT) converts N-acetylserotonin into melatonin.

3. Light Sensitivity:

• Melatonin production is regulated by the amount of light perceived by the eyes:

• During darkness: The pineal gland is activated to produce melatonin, which signals the body to prepare for sleep.

• In light: Melatonin production is inhibited by signals from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the brain’s circadian clock located in the hypothalamus.

4. Circadian Rhythm Regulation:

• The SCN receives input about light levels via the retinohypothalamic tract from the eyes.

• This input determines whether the pineal gland should produce melatonin or suppress its production.

Factors Influencing Melatonin Production

1. Light Exposure:

• Blue light (e.g., from screens) can suppress melatonin production, disrupting sleep cycles.

2. Age:

• Melatonin levels decline with age, which may explain sleep difficulties in older adults.

3. Lifestyle and Diet:

• A diet rich in tryptophan (e.g., turkey, eggs, nuts) supports melatonin synthesis.

4. Health Conditions:

• Stress, certain medications, or disorders affecting the hypothalamus or pineal gland can impair melatonin production.

Role of Melatonin in the Body

• Sleep Regulation:

• Helps initiate and maintain sleep by reducing alertness and lowering body temperature.

• Antioxidant Properties:

• Protects cells from oxidative damage.

• Immune Support:

• Plays a role in immune function and inflammation regulation.

Let me know if you’d like additional information on melatonin’s functions or its clinical applications!

austinsurvivor profile image
austinsurvivor

I’ve been taking 10mg THC pills for the last 3 years nightly and they give me a great nights sleep. Prior to that I was getting up at 3am every night. Obviously you need to live in a state that sells them or have someone buy for you…only get indica otherwise you will get high and stay awake. In Denver 10 pills are about $5….good luck

mrvl profile image
mrvl

I use PS128 probiotic for sleep. If you're going to use THC, make sure you use indica.

janebob99 profile image
janebob99

What's causing his sleep problems? Is it hot flashes?

Ranger2019 profile image
Ranger2019

I agree with Janebob above, what’s the root causes of his sleep problems? Pain? Mental health? Hot flashes?

Teufelshunde profile image
Teufelshunde

I take 120 normally for the cancer effect (and super weird dreams at that dose) but less also works. Here are some items that I have in my summary of items on Melatonin.

Melatonin - Use of Melatonin for Cancer

youtube.com/watch?feature=y...

Melatonin For prevention and treatment of cancer

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Melatonin Immunomodulatory actions in radiotherapy

The melatonin immunomodulatory actions in radiotherapy (nih.gov)

Melatonin and Cancer

Increasing Melatonin Levels To Heal From Cancer (alternative-cancer-care.com)

The inhibitory effect of melatonin on human prostate cancer (nih.gov) March 2021

Role and Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin in Various Type of Cancers (nih.gov) March 2021

Use of Melatonin in Cancer Treatment: Where Are We? - PMC (nih.gov) Apr 2022

Mjex profile image
Mjex

I recently tried CBN gummies and that seemed to help. But even with plenty of exercise, I regularly wake up between 2:30 and 3:30. A bowl of cheerios seems to help me get back to sleep.

PELHA profile image
PELHA

We just got a full length infrared heat mat. Very relaxing. Also take 10mg time-release melatonin.

RCOG2000 profile image
RCOG2000

i have found cannabis indica helpful

Godsheal profile image
Godsheal

I am on Zytiga and lupron and have insomnia, and have virtually tried everything. Gummies, tinctures, herbal sleep pills, tea, etc. The only thing that works for me is a good indica bud. Yea I know we shouldn’t smoke but I only have a couple tokes a night, and have to weigh good sleep vs bad to no sleep, sugar in gummies etc. I also use a CBD tincture a few times a day to help in the battle.

Mascouche profile image
Mascouche

Gummies put me to sleep but I still wake up after four hours of sleep. Going to try probiotics soon and see if it helps.

fast_eddie profile image
fast_eddie

Melatonin: 3 mg regular, 5 mg time release, + theanine 3 mg.

For occasional break-through insomnia -- 1 mg lorazepam (ativan). Wouldn't want to use this on a regular basis.

Survivor1965 profile image
Survivor1965

ADT for 12 years and Ambien for 10. Tried and true

fast_eddie profile image
fast_eddie in reply toSurvivor1965

No weird sleep walking episodes?

Survivor1965 profile image
Survivor1965 in reply tofast_eddie

Just that one time when I woke up in the backyard wearing nothing but a poncho and a cowboy hat and an empty margarita glass beside me lol.

Seriously not ever one of those episodes in 10 yrs. But admittedly I am a rare guy. I was Gleason 9 in 2011 with multiple mets. Ive been told you will live this long and that so many times and here I am PSA undetectable. How lucky and blessed am I.

I messed around with all the typical sleep therapys they thru at me and eventually ended up on Ambien. And, I have a drink every night, along with chocolate, and a bup patch.

How long can it go on..

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n

Marry/sleep with a boring woman...........

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

GuitarMaker1978 profile image
GuitarMaker1978

I am a stage four metastatic prostate cancer. Patient currently in remission. I’ve had a lot of problems with sleep, which to have been solved by taking one WANA “Fast Asleep” gummy each night about an hour before I go to sleep. I have also experimented with CAMINO Gummies for sleep as well as those from the brand SLUMBER and I have found that the WANA gummy’s are the best. Good luck to you and your husband.

Big_Mcc profile image
Big_Mcc

Tried Melatonin, 2,4,or 6 mg before bed. Did not work for me. Dr then prescribed Zopiclone 7.5mg an hour before bedtime. Works a treat.

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