Taking nyquil every night

[Blarg]

[ QUOTE ]
Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates the human biological clock.

Double-blind research with young adults has shown that melatonin facilitates sleep.1 Another study of healthy, young adults reported that melatonin significantly shortened the time needed to go to sleep, reduced the number of night awakenings, and improved sleep quality.2 Other researchers reported the time needed to get to sleep was reduced with melatonin.3

Melatonin is also helpful in relieving symptoms of jet lag. One double-blind trial, involving a sample of international flight crew members taking either melatonin or a placebo for three days before and five days after an international flight, found that melatonin significantly reduced symptoms of jet lag and resulted in a quicker recovery of preflight energy levels and alertness.4

Less than 1 mg of melatonin has lowered pressure within the eyes of healthy people,5 but studies have not yet been published on the effects of using melatonin with people who have glaucoma.

Melatonin might help some people suffering from depression. A small double-blind study suggested that supplementation with small amounts of melatonin (0.125 mg taken twice per day) may reduce winter depression.6 People with major depressive disorders sometimes have sleep disturbances. Melatonin has been shown to be effective at improving the quality of sleep of people with major depression.7 However, because of the possibility that melatonin could exacerbate depression, it should only be used for this purpose, under a doctor’s supervision.

When some people take melatonin to treat sleep disorders, chronic tension headaches are relieved.8 Melatonin has also relieved cluster headaches in double-blind research.9 Some researchers have suggested that melatonin’s role in regulating core body temperature may be responsible for preventing cluster headaches,10 which have been reported to be triggered by increased body heat.11

Melatonin also regulates immunity. One group of doctors reported two successfully treated cases of sarcoidosis that it attributed to melatonin’s immune-modulating effect.12 Also, because of its effects on the immune system, melatonin has been given to people with cancer in many research trials. Low blood levels of melatonin are associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer.13 Melatonin has significantly reduced the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA, a marker for cancer) in prostate cancer patients.14 Melatonin inhibits breast cancer cells in test tubes15 and has put some women with breast cancer into remission in preliminary research.16 Melatonin supplementation has improved disease-free survival in people with melanoma17 and increased survival in people with brain cancer18 and lung cancer.19 Melatonin exerts anti-inflammatory activity that may be responsible for its anticancer properties.20

In a double-blind trial, people who had difficulty sleeping as a result of tinnitus were better able to sleep if given 3 mg melatonin per night for one month rather than a placebo.21 Although melatonin did not reduce overall symptom scores for tinnitus, people in this trial with higher symptom scores did appear to obtain some benefit.

Melatonin supplementation may be helpful in treating epilepsy; 5–10 mg of melatonin taken at bedtime reduced the frequency of seizures and improved sleep in a group of children with epilepsy in a small, preliminary trial.22 However, in a group of children suffering from neurological disorders, 1–5 mg of melatonin per night led to an increase in the rate of seizures.23 Children with a seizure disorder called "myoclonus" were reported to have been cured by supplementing with 3–5 mg of melatonin per day in a preliminary trial.24 Until more is known, children with neurological conditions should take melatonin only under medical supervision.

Melatonin may be useful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. In a small, uncontrolled preliminary study, 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime was found to reduce tender points associated with this disorder. Pain and fatigue improved only slightly.25

Children with Angelman’s syndrome (a rare, genetic disorder characterized by severe mental retardation, seizures, and sleep disturbances) may benefit from low amounts of melatonin. In an uncontrolled study, children with Angelman’s Syndrome who took 0.3 mg of melatonin one-half to one hour before bedtime had significant improvement in nighttime sleep patterns and a reduction in movement disturbances during sleep.26

Animal studies indicate that melatonin secretion may regulate cardiovascular activity,27 28 blood pressure,29 and blood flow to the brain.30 In healthy young men, oral administration of 1 mg of melatonin significantly reduced blood pressure and levels of stress hormones within 90 minutes.31 To date, no clinical trials in humans have tested the efficacy of melatonin for hypertension.
Where is it found?

Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, located within the brain. Levels of melatonin in the body fluctuate with the cycles of night and day. The highest melatonin levels are found at night. Melatonin is present in foods only in trace amounts.

Melatonin has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Rating Health Concerns
2Stars Angelman’s syndrome (sleep disturbances only)
Cluster headaches
Colon cancer
Depression
Insomnia
Jet lag
Schizophrenia (for sleep disturbances only)
Tardive dyskinesia
Tinnitus ( insomnia-associated)
1Star Age-related cognitive decline
Breast cancer
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Glaucoma
Lung cancer
Migraine headaches
Myoclonus
Prostate cancer
Sarcoidosis
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Who is likely to be deficient?

Although elderly people often have difficulty sleeping32 and melatonin supplements have been shown to improve sleep in the elderly,33 melatonin secretion does not appear to decline in healthy older adults to a significant degree, despite many preliminary reports to the contrary.34 Most of these preliminary studies failed to verify that older subjects were healthy and not using drugs that suppress melatonin secretion (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, beta-blockers). Routine replacement of melatonin in elderly persons is, therefore, not recommended.

Adults with insomnia have been shown to have lower melatonin levels.35 Frequent travelers and shift workers are also likely to benefit from melatonin for the resynchronization of their sleep schedules,36 though a melatonin “deficiency” as such does not exist for these people. Patients with heart disease have been reported to have low melatonin levels, but whether this abnormality increases the risk of heart disease or whether heart disease leads to the low melatonin level is not yet known.37 People with schizophrenia were found to have low melatonin output and experienced significantly improved sleep following melatonin replacement supplementation.38
How much is usually taken?

Normally, the body secretes melatonin for several hours per night—an effect best duplicated with time-release supplements. Studies using timed-release melatonin for insomnia have reported good results.39 Many doctors suggest 1–3 mg of melatonin taken one to two hours before bedtime. Studies with people suffering from sarcoidosis or cancer have used very high amounts of melatonin—typically 20 mg per night. Such levels should never be taken without the supervision of a doctor. Melatonin should not be taken during the day.
Are there any side effects or interactions?

Melatonin is associated with few side effects. However, morning grogginess, undesired drowsiness, sleepwalking, and disorientation have been reported. Researchers have hypothesized that certain people should not use melatonin supplements, including pregnant or breast-feeding women, people with depression or schizophrenia, and those with autoimmune disease, including lupus, at least until more is known.40 41

In one study, administration of 3 mg per day of melatonin for three months resulted in a marked decline in sperm counts and a decline in sperm quality in two of eight healthy young men.42 In one of these two men, sperm count and quality became normal after melatonin was discontinued. Although this was a small study, it raises the possibility that long-term use of melatonin could lead to infertility.

In a group of children suffering from neurological disorders, 1–5 mg of melatonin per night led to an increase in the rate of seizures despite the fact that sleep improved.43 Until more is known, children with neurological conditions should take melatonin only under medical supervision.

Many other side effects have been attributed to melatonin supplementation, including inhibition of sex drive, severe headaches, abdominal cramps, and formation of rudimentary breasts in men.44 45 However, these associations have not been supported by solid evidence.46 47 48 49 Since none of these claims have been well documented or independently confirmed, these problems may not have been due to melatonin.

Though most research reports that melatonin improves the quality of sleep, at least one trial has found that four of fifteen men given melatonin had their sleep patterns disturbed by supplemental melatonin.50

One case of painful gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) has been reported involving a 56-year-old man who had been suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and was taking 1–2 mg melatonin per day for one and a half years.51 As the signs and symptoms disappeared after melatonin was discontinued, the authors of the report suspected that melatonin caused this side effect.

According to a preliminary report, blood levels of melatonin may be elevated in women with fibromyalgia.52 Data in this report did not indicate toxicity from melatonin, nor did the report suggest that melatonin causes or exacerbates the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It did suggest there is no current rationale for melatonin supplementation in people with fibromyalgia.

One-time oral administration of 1 mg of melatonin to post- menopausal women reduced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity when tested 45 minutes after administration.53 This finding suggests that people with diabetes should use melatonin with caution and only under the supervision of a doctor.

Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with melatonin. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.


[/ QUOTE ]

(emphasis mine)

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/learnin...itle=Melatonin

[Voltron87]

[ QUOTE ]
Voltron87,

It may be really helpful, but its all entirely erroneous information. Fun anecdotal stuff, but melatonin will do absolutely nothing for an insomniac. Might help with jetlag, but as occurs disturbingly frequently --no offense Blarg--- Blarg speaks very quickly and "fluently" about something he clearly knows very little/just finished googling.

[/ QUOTE ]

well im not an insomniac, i just want something that will make me sleepy at 1am instead of me being a fool and staying up until 3. also, are you throwing down the gauntlet against blarg? rohohhohoho!

[InchoateHand]

Apologies if I was glib, but your anecdotal evidence as well as your hastily acquired research does not speak to the question of the OP or others like him. Insomniacs are, by defintion, not "healthy young adults." Melatonin, I repeat myself, will do essentially nothing for an insomniac, certainly nothing on its own. Its not a bad idea---unlike whoever suggested exercising before bed, but its not a particularly helpful idea either.

[Voltron87]

youre wrong here inchoate, reread the thread. in my first post i came out and said "I'm not an insomniac" and asked what i could take to get myself to sleep earlier. blarg specifically replied to me then. he never mentioned insomnia.

[cokehead]

[ QUOTE ]
Apologies if I was glib, but your anecdotal evidence as well as your hastily acquired research does not speak to the question of the OP or others like him. Insomniacs are, by defintion, not "healthy young adults." Melatonin, I repeat myself, will do essentially nothing for an insomniac, certainly nothing on its own. Its not a bad idea---unlike whoever suggested exercising before bed, but its not a particularly helpful idea either.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have received treatment for insomnia from one of the most prominent Sleep Disorders Centers in the country and melatonin was part of my regiment. I wouldn't call it useless if its being used in treatments prescribed by some of this country's leading experts in sleep disorders. maybe its useless on its own (I was not prescribed it by itself) but it definitely can be useful.

[Blarg]

You have zero grounds to put down information I have provided when you have merely provided an insulting tone and completely unsupported flat denials for your part. Why you decided to crticize my info while providing none of your own, and to combine that with the tone you chose to exhibit, I don't know.

[Soul Daddy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
you need to get some ambien or soma. they work wonders.

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought these were only prescribed short term

[/ QUOTE ]
I somehow convinced my doctor to continue my prescription indefintely. But I don't think this is the recommended strategy.

[Voltron87]

[ QUOTE ]
You have zero grounds to put down information I have provided when you have merely provided an insulting tone and completely unsupported flat denials for your part. Why you decided to crticize my info while providing none of your own, and to combine that with the tone you chose to exhibit, I don't know.

I said good day sir!

[/ QUOTE ]

FYP

[dizong]

Most people with difficulty going to sleep have this problem because of poor habits such as evening consumption of caffeine or too many daytime naps (perhaps because of poor nighttime sleep). If you want to try something simple for sleep, have you tried diphenhydramine? Benadryl is the exact same thing. You can try one nightly (25mg), advance to two (50mg) if needed. Other things like Ambien and Trazodone are effective though not usually first-line and require prescription.

Also, other things which can interfere with sleep need to be ruled out (e.g., depression, asthma, GERD).

Finally, are you feeling tired during the day? Wake up with morning headaches? Chainsawing trees during your sleep? Another consideration is obstructive sleep apnea although that's probably not too often manifested as insomnia but it may lead to daytime habits which can affect how you approach sleep nightly.

See your doctor as only he/she can determine by history and physical exam if there is an underlying reason you can't sleep.

dizong

[RacersEdge]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Apologies if I was glib, but your anecdotal evidence as well as your hastily acquired research does not speak to the question of the OP or others like him. Insomniacs are, by defintion, not "healthy young adults." Melatonin, I repeat myself, will do essentially nothing for an insomniac, certainly nothing on its own. Its not a bad idea---unlike whoever suggested exercising before bed, but its not a particularly helpful idea either.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have received treatment for insomnia from one of the most prominent Sleep Disorders Centers in the country and melatonin was part of my regiment. I wouldn't call it useless if its being used in treatments prescribed by some of this country's leading experts in sleep disorders. maybe its useless on its own (I was not prescribed it by itself) but it definitely can be useful.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ummm...cokehead , maybe there is another reason you have trouble falling asleep..