I have struggled with insomnia for the last 12 years and been on various sleeping tablets I have now started taking melatonin by prescription from my GP. This had helped fantastically and I feel do much better. Also I am now taking Berocca which has improved my energy level.
I would recommend both.
That's interesting to hear. I have a really active mind and it's hard to switch off at night. I take a low dose sleeping tablet and I'm really not happy to be doing that. I may ask my GP if I can try melatonin.
What is berocca?
Jean
My advice would be to say be careful with melatonin. I had some strange side effects. I had lots of strange dreams and also recently developed vertigo/diziness which ended when I stopped taking the melatonin. My son also had similar side effects so it's not just me...
I am on 2mg. I am going to stop now. I have spoken to my pharmacist and he said to take for a max of 2 weeks. The Mail on Sunday recommended Melatonin for insomnia so I asked my GP for a prescription. It's interesting to read the feedback on Melatonin.
What dose of melatonin are you prescribed?
That's really individual Jean and most GPs won't prescribe Melatonin in the UK unless virtually all other options have been unsuccessful, and often only if they've had a recommendation and dose guidelines from a Specialist.I know many people whom have tried to get Melatonin on prescription and some whom eventually bought it from abroad but with some rather risky results , risks which are the reason it can not be sold OTC in the UK.
The dose for use is low, and recommendations is that it should only be used for very short term use , one to two weeks at most with days off under supervision in the most difficult cases.
The reason , as well as it potentially causing nausea , diarrhea, rebound head pain , daytime drowsiness , brain fog , thought disturbance and unusual dreams, is that it can cause an imbalance in your serotonin levels moderately quickly, which at its most severe causes Serotonin Syndrome.
You aren't meant to take Melatonin with SSRis and various other antidepressants and anticonvulsants that are also used for nerve pain.
Melatonin also isn't advised in cases of extreme insomnia for people whom are taking betablockers and blood thinners or have any type of diabetes that is controlled with medication .
If you are on immune suppresssnts , have an autoimmune or seizure disorder or depression it isn't recommended either.
Pregnancy and breast feeding a strict No. No.
A low dose sleeping tablet is actually considered the safer and more controllable option over melatonin by doctors and sleep specialists.
My health conditions have caused me extreme insomnia since I was a child. I've learnt to survive positively on about 3 hours sleep a day / 2 and half at night but get quality body and mind rest.
But with the health conditions I have and medications I take a GP or Specialist wouldn't consider prescribing it to me and warned me very firmly not to consider buying it to trial myself even with my sensible process of trying other options that we can't get on prescription.
From friends whom did , there wasn't a great success rate either , only two found they went to sleep quicker and for longer and the effect was not that long lasting. One friend didn't listen to their friends warnings and chose to up the dose thinking they'd get the same results again and spent rather a nasty weekend in hospital as a result.
Working out a regular night time wind down routine, allowing yourself body rest and not getting anxious about going to sleep, turning off all devices and TV, and for some even music at least an hour before getting into bed, not being physically active in the two hours before, reducing light and noise disturbance, having a comfortable bed and room at a steady temperature , and having a nap in the day before 4pm if you need one, but strictly limiting it to under an hour, are all methods I was taught to use while participating in a year long study for Sleep and Chronic Pain.
My only addition is a milk based drink with a touch of honey about an hour before my bedtime ( based on medical research from the Sleep Foundation) maintaining good hydration and pacing my activity. and a antihistamine taken at night ( this is a more commonly prescribed option when first line sleeping pills are unsuccessful).
For people with mild to moderate persistent insomnia these options will usually add hours to your sleep and reduce the time to drop off. For people with occasional or new insomnia the above strategies give the most chance to reverse it.
I've increased my sleep by an hour , sometimes I get a glorious four hours a night, I know that sounds short but it's a miracle for me , but, most importantly, I'm switched off and the body rest gives me as much energy and reduces the pain more than before with less brain fog and Fatigue than using medication. It also helps improve my Tachycardia episodes during the day.
Berocca is a brand name of one of those rejuvenation drinks that include Vitamin C, B vitamins , zinc and iron. It's sugar and caffeine free but may not be right for everyone with gastric sensitivity or gastric reflux because of the type of Vitamin C used in the product or whom can get triggered by artificial sweeteners.
Spray versions of multivitamins , vitamin D and K2 , or B12 are better options , ones like BetterYou and non acidic Vitamin C as a tablet or sublingual liquid are also better as options to improve nutrient levels and their effect on sleep but obviously cost can be a limit to this , so sometimes Berocca can be a good occasional option if you are run down or need to increase nutrients when you have a deficiency.
Thank you that raises various useful points. Every day is a school day!
What is considered a "low dose sleeping pill"?
I recently was given a dose by my GP of 2mg for 2 weeks to be taken at night with food to help my sleep pattern. I understand probably from a post here that you should have a break after 2 wks and only start again if you hit another bout of insomnia.
I actually didn't start the scrip thinking it might be too strong. Instead I use 2 pumps of Ancient Minerals Magnesium lotion with melatonin before bed (works well), which equates to a dosage of 0.75mg of melatonin. I have used this for several months now but note the post above re risks of regular use and will consider taking a break from it.
Hi Jean,This is the link to the NHS information on melatonin which may help you.
nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/...
Thank you. X
So pleased for you! I’m rubbish on poor sleep. I’ve used melatonin for many years (bought privately from Europe) both for sleep and cardio protective reasons. I can’t remember the exact details now but some prescription heart meds (think beta blockers or candesartan types…?!?) reduces/blocks our natural melatonin.
Hi
Have you AF?
The thing with sleeping pills you need to be 'stopping yourself from relying on them".
Twice in my life through hepatitis ? in 1970s where there was no testing for hepatitis. And another two times due to a huge 'load'.
The latter two times I geared myself to resolve as soon as possible this condition.
Never take a sleeping pill until you feel tired, then 'pop a pill'.
Then one day when you are feeling in control, leave it out. I could have 5 but I had only 1. So taking more than 1, 2 or 3 cut down and then cut them out. I did that whilst going to Italy. I was determined. And I did it over there and had stopped before I got home.
Yes, you can do it.
cherio jOY. 75. (NZ)
Have you tried soaking in a warm bath before bed and then reading or listening to a recorded book.
My GP hasn’t mentioned melatonin. I had read poor reports of its effectiveness, and that it only helped, if at all, with “sleep onset insomnia”, which I don’t have). Your post is, therefore, good to read. I suffer terribly with this. It’s a dreadful thing.
Steve
I have taken melatonin (3mg, OTC in US) for many years with no untoward effects. I am also on rhythm control medication, beta blockers and anticoagulation. Neither the GP or cardiologist has EVER suggested that I discontinue it.
JimF
I also take 3mg melatonin. Bisoprolol depletes the production of melatonin. I purchase mine from the net and have never had a problem. In the USA you can buy these from any pharmacy off the shelf with no prescription. I don’t take the 3mg pill every night just when my brain goes into overdrive with no adverse side effects. My 9 year old grandson has this on prescription for Parasomnia so they must be quite safe. I normally fall asleep about 30 minutes after taking the pill.
Its interesting that melatonin is under prescription in the UK. My daughter gives her kids melatonin gummies at bedtime. Didn't work for me. We do have a for-profit system here (don't get me started), that must be a factor, as its a natural substance with no serious overdose problem. I understand that it can take longer to see a consultant there, but here once in a while too plus medical bankruptcies left and right.
The sleep hygienists say that it is important for the circadian rhythm to turn off melatonin production in the morning by getting out into the light in the morning. I find I sleep much better in summer when we can eat breakfast on the balcony so maybe there is something in this! Modern life gives us far too much artificial light in the evenings so inhibiting the production of melatonin at night. Having said that relaxing after lunch outside in full daylight does not prevent me falling asleep over my book.
Interesting thank you.
I would encourage all to google Melatonin for side effects and interaction with other drugs. That said, the GPs that prescribed Melatonin likely considered the possible interaction and determined it safe.
Also, please keep in mind no sleep aid is intended for long term use.
The following interactions are some listed by the Mayo Clinic. Note the word "might" vs "will".
Anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs, herbs and supplements. These types of drugs, herbs and supplements reduce blood clotting. Combining use of melatonin with them might increase the risk of bleeding.
Blood pressure drugs. Melatonin might worsen blood pressure in people taking blood pressure medications.
Diabetes medications. Melatonin might affect sugar levels. If you take diabetes medications, talk to your doctor before using melatonin.
Bottom line, discuss with your doctor and insure he is aware of all your medications.
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