question for those of you who take melatonin

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello, I recently start working nights. My question is when is the best time for you to take melatonin supplement. I always try to sleep during the day, but it's always hard especially on my first shift. I tried benadryl but I always feel drugged and groggy, and I heard about melatonin. Do you take it early in the morning so you will sleep the whole day and ready for night work? Can you share your experiences about this supplement? thanks

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

I used to take melatonin. Since natural melatonin production is affected by light, it would be best if the room you sleep in has heavy window coverings. I used to take mine while I was getting ready for bed, so when I finally made it to bed, it kicked in within a few minutes. I had to play around with my dosage also. I found that, for me, 300mcg was best. I took a 3mg tablet once and felt horrible cloudy headed the next day. I believe it comes in 200mcg to 20 mg, depending on where you buy it.

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Yes, I take it. I say 30 minutes before bedtime. Take your shower and then take it.

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I take 1 mg of melatonin and it does the trick. This dosage has been working well for me. It lets me fall asleep fast, but I don't wake up with a hangover. I usually take it about 30-45 minutes before bed so it has a chance to kick in.

I recently traveled overseas and I took the melatonin so I could sleep on the plane. It worked like a charm. I slept for 7 hours out of the 12 hour flight. I took it right before I went through security and I was asleep before we even took off!

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Specializes in Rehab, Orthopedic, Urogyn, Gyn.

Does anyone know if there are any side effects? My mom just stopped taking it because she was having some problems, but I think it was because she was taking it during day light hours (she goes to bed around 8) and she was taking it over an hour before she went to bed.

And can it become addictive like other sleep aides? She has been sober for 14 years, but does have a substance abuse history. I am just very apprehensive about her taking any sleep aid with her history.

Thanks for your help! :heartbeat

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Specializes in Dialysis.

My doctor suggested I take it to help me get to sleep and it works well for me.

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Does anyone know if there are any side effects? My mom just stopped taking it because she was having some problems, but I think it was because she was taking it during day light hours (she goes to bed around 8) and she was taking it over an hour before she went to bed.

And can it become addictive like other sleep aides? She has been sober for 14 years, but does have a substance abuse history. I am just very apprehensive about her taking any sleep aid with her history.

Thanks for your help! :heartbeat

Although melatonin is not physicallly addictive, one can probably become psychologically dependent on it.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.
Does anyone know if there are any side effects? My mom just stopped taking it because she was having some problems, but I think it was because she was taking it during day light hours (she goes to bed around 8) and she was taking it over an hour before she went to bed.

And can it become addictive like other sleep aides? She has been sober for 14 years, but does have a substance abuse history. I am just very apprehensive about her taking any sleep aid with her history.

Thanks for your help! :heartbeat

Yes, melatonin does have side effects and adverse effects, interacts with other medications, and can cause reduction of natural hormone production. As far as I know it is not addictive, but if your Mom is on any other meds or has any other health problems such as diabetes, liver dysfunction, or cardiovascular disease, she really should talk to her doctor before taking any supplement.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Telemetry.

I found it to be very helpful when I worked nights. Took it when I got home from work, ate/showered, then off to bed!

I would not start with the whole tablet! I had the 3mg tabs and I would oversleep. I slept for 14 hours once after taking it!!! Half did the trick for me.

Hope it works for you, and good luck on nights.

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I take 600 mcg about 30 minutes or so before I go to bed.That dose seems to be effective for me. I was taking temazepam 15 mg, but it seemed to make me too foggy the next day.

TomLM

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

slightly off topic but I found a drink recently called "Drank",it's supposed to be relaxing.I thought it was the soda version of chamomile tea.I shared a can with my grandson,he went to bed shortly after finishing his glass and slept for 14 hours straight.I took a nap too,looked at the label and the ingredients included melatonin!

Just a warning to watch out for what's in some of the things you can buy over the counter that aren't even medicines.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I have tried melatonin in the past but it just wasn't the effective for me. I now use this sleep aid called LunaSom which is a combination of several herbal sleep meds including melatonin and valerian. It's not sold in too many places but I have actually found that it's cheapest in Bed Bath and Beyond. I take 2 capsules half an hour before bed, read for a little and before you know it i'm zonked. It doesn't give you the groggy feeling like benadryl does. It just makes you feel relaxed and sort of eases you into sleep. I've recommended it to a few friends and they all love it.

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