hello all, what is the consensus on melatonin? Does it aggravate RLS symptoms or not? Having issues with sustaining my sleep. My actual RLS symptoms have died down a lot, but now I’m getting hyperarousal during the night. After falling asleep quite quickly, I wake up & can’t get back to sleep.
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I know people say melatonin is to be avoided, however I looked into this very recently as my young son was prescribed melatonin to help with insomnia. He has periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). I found there was conflicting evidence on the subject. I sent the papers i had found to my son's (competent) neurologist and she was satisfied that it wouldn't make his PLMD worse. I haven't noticed it having made things worse and it does help with sleep onset.
I myself took melatonin some years ago but don't recall any clear-cut worsening of symptoms.
Melatonin is known to make RLS symptoms worse. You can try it and see what happens.
The real problem is with the dose prescribed.
I have adressed this issue elsewhere.
Basically, high dose of anything over 0.5mg may cause issues including restlessness.
Many doctors prescribe 2.5 mg slow release because thats what they are advised, based on outdated research.
I take 0.2mg and find no problems. However, if i do this for too many nights (3 or 4) then I will suffer.
How do I get that dose? I buy the liquid form - 2.5mg . The full dropper ( sqeezy yoke screwed in the bottle!) holds 1mg , so I just measure out one or two drops into a small glass of water and drink, half hour before bed.
I get mine from Vitasun on inet. (No affiliation)
Good luck.
I agree on the dose - I use sublingual 1mg and cut it into 4 - so, it's 0.25mg. It works to induce sleep. Taken after a wake-up results in a groggy AM. That hyper-arousal is probably an imbalance Glutamate (excitable) over GABA (relaxing). I also take ibuprofen (1/2 dose) on awakening in the night to block Glutamate.
I've no advice I'm sorry, but what's interesting is that i was prescribed this for awful sleep due to night terrors and restless legs. It just doesn't work for me. I never have teoubke getting asleep. I have trouble STAYING asleep. Interesting it potentially makes them worse as I'd find I'd wake up in the night with them. But maybe thats why!!
Hi, all
_ for me, no doubt, melatonin worse a lot RLS, at 3mg dose.
_ have tested some 3 of four times during some four years ( the latest one, definitive, nevermore, two months ago)
all the best and good luck
I took melatonin for years. Melatonin does help with sleep onset but I would wake up two hours later. If I have trouble sleeping or getting to sleep, two ibuprofen helps me.
hi, just wondering if the ibuprofen caused any stomach issues as it’s not recommended to take it long term.
I very rarely take it. I discussed it with my Doctor when I do take it,I only need two. Maybe twice a month. This week was more.
My experience with Melatonin is that is aggravated my RLS. If you go the the RLS foundation website, you will see it’s contraindicated for RLS.
Gives me nightmares, frequent awakenings, a constant need to pee… clearly exacerbates RLS… just the same as anything to do with serotonin (they are related).
Having previously tried Melatonin, with various doses, it made my RLS worse. But, I’ve been able to stimulate Melatonin by using Tart Cherry Extract, it helps with sleep, and does not aggravate my RLS.
Melatonin definitely made my RLS much worse. I can’t remember the dose I was taking. Perhaps if I took less it wouldn’t have adverse effects but I prefer just to stay away from it.
Has anyone tried Melatonin Supplements?
Advice on RLS as a reaction to medication? 
Current medication advice?
Advice would be much appreciated
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