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Original poster

Melatonin experts?!

16 replies

ProseccoSupernova · 01/11/2019 17:31

I bought some on a trip to the US but have never used it. Flying transatlantic again next week, should I take it on the way over or for jetlag when home?! And what time of day?! Pic of the bottle/dosage attached!

Melatonin experts?!
OP posts:
SpaceCadet4000 · 01/11/2019 18:25

Take it to align with the time zone that you need to be in, about 20 minutes before you need to sleep. E.g. if you're boarding a flight in the US central time zone at 4pm (10pm UK, 6 hours difference) and you know you'll want to sleep from 11pm in the UK, I'd take it at 4.40pm US time then get down for some kip.

SpaceCadet4000 · 01/11/2019 18:27

Oh- I forgot to add, make sure you get early morning light in the time zone you're aligning to as well. Taking melatonin is useful, but your body is still going to try and produce it at the bedtime you're set to. Getting early morning light will help to minimise this.

MoiraRose · 01/11/2019 19:14

Sorry to hijack the thread, but...
My DS is autistic and has trouble sleeping. When he was younger he was supposed to be getting melatonin from CAMHS, but never heard from them. He's still under the doctor for various things and when I asked dr about melatonin for him (he was 19, he's just turned 20) the doctor said it's just for children. I was never convinced he was correct. Was he wrong?

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Wonkybanana · 01/11/2019 20:34

MoiraRose anyone can take melatonin, but in the UK to help with sleep it's prescription only, and NICE only approves its use in children and the elderly. It may also be prescribed for other adults to help recovery from jetlag, but in a very low dose and for a maximum of five days.

For general adult insomnia, sleeping tablets in the Z group (zolpidem, zopiclone) are prescribed, but again only for a few nights with the aim of re-establishing a regular sleeping pattern. They are highly addictive, and taking them over a long period develops resistance so more is needed to achieve a sedative effect.

Belindabelle · 01/11/2019 20:53

I bought some of these last year in the States but I am afraid to take them. My sleep is shocking at the moment (menopause). I have never taken sleeping tablets before but I am tempted to try them.

MoiraRose · 01/11/2019 23:46

Thanks Wonkybanana

I.knew about it being prescription only, and at the time we were supposed to be getting it from CAMHS only they could prescribe it and not the GP. We didn't get the follow up appointment though, and we'd waited so long I just gave up on ever getting it.

He actually prescribed him Promethazine hydrochloride instead, which does work but makes him tired all the next day

Campervan69 · 01/11/2019 23:55

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in our body. You only need a small amount to get you to sleep. I take 1mg at most in a milky drink. Works like a charm. No side effects. No addictive effects. Perfect for occasional insomnia or jet lag.

Campervan69 · 01/11/2019 23:58

www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2007/6/nu_melatonin

It's also supposed to have many health benefits. Link here explaining more.

Dowser · 02/11/2019 00:10

I take 3mg every night
First took it about 2000 when I had terrible jet lag as we flew to Florida
We bought some , me and my daughter took some about 8 pm us time..Ie 1am our time
Mh husband was preparing some food in the kitchen..mainly dishing up some excellent Chinese takeaway we’d bought
Me and my daughter were zonked out on the bed
We managed to make our way to the table eat some food..but were like zombies and went straight back to bed

Amazing stuff

glsgow107 · 02/11/2019 00:15

I hallucinate on it Shock

walkinwar · 02/11/2019 01:49

I take it when I travel overseas and the first few night when I return to help prevent 2am wake ups and get me to sleep earlier depending on the Timezone. I find it much gentler than prescription sleeping tablets as there is no hangover. I've been prescribed (not uk) 2mg so release and also bought 10mg off the shelf in the US. You can also buy it online.

Campervan69 · 02/11/2019 08:07

Just to add you really don't need the higher dosages at all. Recommended doses ofmelatoninare from 0.5 mg up to 1 mg, which are perfect to promotesleepor treat jet lag. Whenmelatoninis used at higher doses, it tends to increase daytime sleepiness. Sometimes the higher dosages stop it being effective for some reason.

LittleCandle · 02/11/2019 08:19

I bought the 10mg in the US and use it on the odd night when I can't get my brain to shut down, and on the first night back from the US. I have never found it causes sleepiness the following day. It also helps you to stay asleep. I tended to waken about my usual time regardless. It is great stuff.

Belindabelle · 02/11/2019 09:08

Right I have just checked mine and they are 5mg. They go out of date in April so I am going to give them a go.

Original poster
ProseccoSupernova · 02/11/2019 09:15

Thanks all! Will give it a go!

OP posts:
Dowser · 02/11/2019 10:33

Don’t worry about it going out of date
I used to bring it back from Florida for my Gp for her cancer patients and she said it was fine

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