Melatonin to help Sleep?

[FlippinOut]

Is it ok to take melatonin on those sleepless nights? If yes, how much is ok? If no, do you have any other suggestions to help with getting to sleep? The insomnia is the pits 😠

[Alibaba80]

I think a lot of people with liver disease safely take melatonin for insomnia Anita

[sophiaS1980]

My doc allow 5mg of melatonin but you need to ask your doctor, have your been diagnosed with cirrhosis, from your post it seems you really don't have a diagnoses, I see you are in the USA, please ask for a MRE not MRI

[FlippinOut in reply to sophiaS1980]

Hi Sophia,

I’ve been diagnosed with cirrhosis based on my CT scan showing nodular liver contour. The reason for my confusion regarding this diagnosis was because the results of FibroTest was F3. Results of my bloodwork from last week (AST, ALT, ALK, BILI, GGT, Albumin, Platelets) is all normal.

I’ve learned that it is possible to have normal bloodwork even with cirrhosis. And now I seem to be getting more and more symptoms every day, so I am pretty sure the scan is correct. Endoscopy is scheduled for 10/26 to look for varices. If nothing shows up I will get doc to send me for MRE.

How are you doing? Hope all is well.

Anita

[Aotea2012]

Try a mug of whole fat warm milk before you go to bed. Milk contains melatonin and tryptophan, both of which aid sleep. I always prefer to get nutrients from my food than take supplements…although those do have their place.

[FlippinOut in reply to Aotea2012]

Yes! I have noticed that milk and a couple spoons of peanut butter right before bed really helps. Just trying to avoid the extra calories, but maybe the protein is good to have anyway.

[Ewife]

Melatonin in the UK is a prescribed drug, so I don't think Dr's would readily prescribe before exhausting other methods. Being that it's a hormone based drug (?) and Cirrhosis is already messing with hormones etc I'm not sure I'd want to risk it. That's just my gut feeling. My husband has bouts of sleep difficulties (better with Rifaxomin) but I've noticed it's worse when he's over tired. Viscious circle once it starts happening. A few days or rest (not sleep) help reset things a bit.

Atb

Ewife

[theoldboiler]

I would ask your GP, mine recommended Phenergan (active ingredient Promethazine) It works for me

[WW_ell]

My experience- melatonin was a game changer for me. You can at first try 1 or 2mg - I find 2mg very effective and have been taking it for several weeks with same effect.

Not sure where you are, but the plant-based versions can be sold on shelf or - for sone - over the counter in pharmacies across most of Europe as they’re classified as food supplements. Check with your consultant of course, generally they’re considered ‘safe’ as they’re non hepatoxic but given each individual’s status and staging, may or may not be a safe option.

[Liversheep]

I have used quick & slow release smaller to larger doses from 3 to 60 mg. Oral first pass is through liver, so I really prefer the suppository method, made with coconut oil 50mg, the sleep is longer deeper. Oral melatonin for me results in shorter sleep periods & me needing to wake & take another dose. Has anti oxidant properties so it’s part of my regimen that I cycle it on & off.