Melatonin for insufficient sleep

[Emultra]

I don't have a lot of problems going to sleep, but I can only sleep for max 5 hours a night, which isn't enough. Doesn't matter when I go to bed, I'll wake up 5 hours later.

A lot of people use melatonin for sleep problems, but it's prescription-only in Sweden. The only version that is prescribed is in the form of a depot tablet for a more delayed effect. If I can't get them to prescribe it, my only option to get melatonin in any form will be to order it online and hope customs won't seize it, or move abroad.

Has anyone with this problem tried melatonin? Did it work?

 

[Woosta]

Melatonin works perfect for the job, and is absolutely safe because it's a natural ingredient in your body.

 

[Sixguns]

I use this stuff from time to time and it works great.

 

[Emultra]

And you're specifically talking about not staying asleep long enough, rather than problems falling asleep?

Edit: Oh, and any comments on the depot tablet? It's all you can get here, and getting isn't easy, but there might be a chance. I suppose the delayed effect might be useful since I only need it once my body falsely believes it's time to stop sleeping.

 

[tedrodai]

and is absolutely safe because it's a natural ingredient in your body.

This is a fallacy in logic. It is a natural compound in your body and may be safe for use, but it's not safe because it's a natural ingredient. Just sayin.

 

[iluvdeal]

I've use melatonin before when traveling, but I did not feel like it really did anything.

I know 8 hours is considered "normal", but some people do just fine on 5 hours of sleep. How do you feel during the day?

 

[Emultra]

It's a bit better since I started doing exercises against obstructive sleep apnea, but I can tell I haven't slept enough. And several times throughout the day I feel the need to go to bed. Age 26, 6'1" and 190 lbs.

 

[wirednuts]

This is a fallacy in logic. It is a natural compound in your body and may be safe for use, but it's not safe because it's a natural ingredient. Just sayin.

so is chlorine... but just a lil too much of that and SLIT.

 

[bononos]

Are there anything that might be obstacles to you getting a good sleep?
I'm a light sleeper and need heavy drapes to block out noise and light, pc has to be shut off and/or blinking leds (on pc monitor and a/c in my case) taped over with electrical tape.

Taking melatonin does interfere with the body's own production and I would discuss it with a doctor if its going to be a long term thing.

 

[Emultra]

This problem started pretty much instantly about half a year ago. I always turn everything off and block out light. Not doing anything different except being in better shape now.

 

[bononos]

Do you happen to move around or acquire a wifi router or cordless dect phone about half a year ago? Or install a powerline lan adapter? Some people are just more sensitive to emf and it may interfere with their sleep.

 

[Demo24]

I use to use melatonin, almost couldn't get to sleep without it for quite some time. Biggest issue I found is it can be difficult to wake up and might feel tired, even though you've slept enough. My problem though was getting to sleep, not necessarily staying asleep.

I almost never use it now. Went on some antidepressants and this interestingly normalized my sleep cycle. Maybe it was just stress, or an actual chemical imbalance, I'm not sure at this point.

 

[Emultra]

Do you happen to move around or acquire a wifi router or cordless dect phone about half a year ago? Or install a powerline lan adapter? Some people are just more sensitive to emf and it may interfere with their sleep.

Didn't change anything. One problem is that I think the techniques I use to counteract obstructive sleep apnea (sleeping on my back only and using a wedge pillow) make me wake up more. But I've managed to not feel like a drugged zombie when waking up, so it's probably worth it. Would be nice to fix both problems though.

 

[Bateluer]

I find melatonin to be useful sometimes, but its not a knock out pill. For it to work, I have to already be tired. If my brain is active or if I'm stressed, it does nothing.

 

[Emultra]

I used to have that problem, where it'd take a long time to go to sleep. It's been getting easier since I started taking magnesium supplements though.

 

[killster1]

did see anyone mention that if you take melatonin your body will stop producing it. Also it can make you depressed and weird side effects. If you do take it.. turn out the lights a hour before taking it and keep them off.. only tried few times worked fine but scared about body stop producing it on its own so dont take it anymore.