Anyone familiar with melatonin supplementation?

[MediumBrownDog]

I went to a meeting this afternoon, and before it started, one group of women was discussing the problem of insomnia when going through withdrawal. Several noted that alcohol abuse disrupts the body's natural production of melatonin, and a couple had experience with melatonin use and said it worked.

I've been researching this on the 'net since I got back from the meeting and there seems to be some validity to it. I have TERRIBLE insomnia when I'm drying out. I'm going to call my physician and ask about this, but wondered if any of you have experience using it. My doc gave me some very low dose valium (5 mg)to use to combat the insomnia, but I'm terrified to take it and then go from the frying pan into the fire by getting hooked on highly addictive pills. I took it one night and it made me feel fuzzy and weird -- and did nothing to help me sleep -- so I haven't taken it again.

I'm starting to feel a little better, by the way. This is a hangover from one night of abuse, not an extended bender, and my body is rebounding a little quicker than it did back in March. But I know from experience that I'm not going to sleep worth sh#t tonight or tomorrow night, so insomnia is on my brain, so to speak. I may go to another meeting tonight after the baby goes down.

Thanks! Much love. MBD

[NMDemDist2]

1. it works, but makes me groggy the next day

when I had insomnia the old timers told me "Nobody died from lack of sleep"

since it wasn't a bad bender, why don't you give it a couple days? Your sleep cycle should clear up quickly this time

[Why Syzygy]

3. Nobody died from lack of sleep.

I hope they aren't still saying that. Sleep deprivation is a serious issue.
Studies have shown that lack of sleep can indeed shorten your life. Lab mice cannot live more than three weeks when consistently deprived of sleep. If I get caught up in a sleepless cycle, it sometimes flips a switch and I have stayed awake 24-36 hours at a stretch. After 36 hours, the critical thinking area of the brain shuts off. One can have hallucinations or psychotic symptoms.
It is serious business, and I'm sorry some people don't realize that.

[NMDemDist2]

5. ok votes

n/t

[Why Syzygy]

2. I've found

the sublingual tablets do work, taken two or three under the tongue. The pills did not work.

edit: The sublingual form was recommended by a lab technician (someone I know).

[varkam]

4. Melatonin works for some, but not for others.

Lunesta is approved by the FDA for long-term use as it is not habit-forming. Rozerem is another med that works on melatonin receptors. Also, good old Tylenol PM or Benadryl does the trick for some as well.

[Justpat]

6. I t works OK but it makes my ears ring.

I'll take the ringing in the ears over not sleeping though.

[Kajsa]

7. Hi Old Broad!

What else causes ear ringing?

My PCP doesn't know and is referring me
to a ENT specialist- that will take weeks to
go through.

I've had a high pitched ring for 4 weeks, now.

It's maddening!

:hi:

[Justpat]

9. I've had it for years.

Let me know what you find out from the ENT specialist. :)



:hug:

[Kajsa]

11. Will do!

I know just how annoying it can be.

:hug:

[Kajsa]

8. Hi MBD,

It does help restore the body's natural sleep patterns.
( even one's we lost while drinking )

Be careful not to take too much, 2mg. to start with, 3 if that doesn't work.

Another thing is don't take it too late in the evening,
as I found I will be very groggy the next morning if I took it too late.

My time limit is around 8:00-8:30 pm.

Good luck- getting a good nights sleep will really help you.

:pals:

[wildeyed]

10. Try this.

http://www.themeditationpodcast.com/

They offer free guided meditation downloads including one for insomnia. I listen to them at night in bed. Helps me fall asleep faster.

As far as melatonin, I have tried it and it doesn't seem to help much. There are herbal supplements such as valerian and skulcap that might be helpful as well. but sometimes you just have to gut it out. :( Get a long boring book on some but boring noble topic that you have been meaning to research and keep it by the bed, that might help, too ;)