Sleep and 5-HTP

[RobertCLL]

I have no trouble going to sleep of a night, but wake up in the night for hours. My mind is so over active, I try counting from 100 down, but get easily distracted, so start again). I saw on another forum this product, 50mg 5HTP.

""5-HTP dietary supplements help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior, 5-HTP may have a positive effect on sleep, mood, anxiety, appetite, and pain sensation.""

Anybody with experience of this product?

[SofiaDeo]

You can get 5-HT from a glass of milk, or eating turkey. Maybe a glass of warm milk/cocoa before bedtime will help?

Also make sure you are getting sunlight/UV into your eyes shortly after waking up. If you are 't resetting your body's melatonin cycle, that can contribute to insomnia, I have full spectrum light bulbs and full spectrum task lamps to make sure I get this on days I don't go out early. The bulbs are pricey for light bulbs, around $20 USD last time I checked, but they last for years so not unduly expensive.

[RobertCLL in reply to SofiaDeo]

I have tried coco and milk, the down side is then having to get up in the night. Then having to get back off to sleep! Thank you.

[JigFettler Volunteer]

5-HTP dietary supplements!

Do you know of any evidence from formal studies?

Raising Seratonin does help in the way you describe - BUT dietary supplements - Hmmm - Not sure the work has been done.

I am going to suggest you speak with your GP! I have heard that SSRIs can help the over active mind chatter!

Jig

[RobertCLL in reply to JigFettler]

Yes I will speak with my GP and Heam Consultant, have to be cautious because of the Ibrutinib.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to RobertCLL]

With my emphasis in bold, per webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingre...

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) can be converted to serotonin in the body. It is often used for depression. It has less evidence for insomnia and anxiety.

Likewise drugs.com/mtm/5-htp.html

5-HTP has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating depression or fibromyalgia.

Other uses not proven with research have included insomnia,.....

It is not certain whether 5-HTP is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

5-HTP is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Neil

[NaturalWaze]

A Dr once suggested 5HTP to me for sleep many years go. (I tried it but it did not help me.)

[sportage21]

I have CLL and I am on ibrutinib. I have a prescription for zopliclone which is effective for occasional use (2 or 3 times a week), but more than that, tolerance becomes an issue. I find that chocolate infused with cannabis (Indica THC) is quite effective. I also take magnesium and almonds beforebefe going to bed. I've found that malatonin and other hormones to be ineffective.

[RobertCLL]

I too am on Ibrutinib and have a prescription of Zopiclone (3.75mg). They really do help, but have this limited usage of just 2 weeks. Hence I was looking for other options.

[Saju21]

i have been using bose sleep buds and they have made a huge difference. I am still aware of waking but almost immediately fall asleep. Not cheap but if you buy direct from bose you have 90 days trial. I only find one sound soothing (swell - sound of the ocean), but I only need one to work.

Alternative is to try old fashioned antihistamines which are drousy and not addictive like sleeping tablets.

[CycleWonder in reply to Saju21]

I listen to audio books using one ear bud because the sound does not need to be stereo. I tend to listen to the Harry Potter series over and over because I know the story well - listening does not keep me awake. But it’s enough to normally stop my mind from diving down holes. Not 100% reliable but I sleep well for 10 nights in a row, and then have one bad night. But my bad nights are less so as time goes on.

[Hoffy]

I use 5 HTP all the time for sleep at like 2 - 4 am in the morning. I get it from Costco. I cut it in half so it break down quicker. I use half. I cut a thicker amount at 2 am and a thinner amount at 4 am

Works great and I don’t feel groggy in the morning. I have vivid dreams too.

Be well,

Hoffy