Melatonin nightmares..

[SpeedyJason]

So, I've just started taking some melatonin to help me to sleep at night and it seems to put me to sleep and actually keeps me asleep for longer than I usually do without it but I keep waking up at the odd hours because of vivid nightmares. I'm just wondering if anyone else has gotten this side effect? If so, does it stop? I've only taken it for 2 days and I'm planning on giving it more time but if they don't stop..why bother with it.

[Rowan]

Hi Jason

I routinely take melatonin with absolutely no adverse effects - I'm sorry that your experience has been otherwise thus far.

[north]

I also take melatonin but do not suffer from the side-effects you mentioned.

You might consider experimenting with the dosage.

Depending on where you live, you might consider other supplements that provide similar benefits such as:

Valerian root.
Hops
5-HTP

When I was in the UK, I recall I once used an over-the-counter supplement that incorporated all three ingredients. Since melatonin works for me and is readily available, it's my sleeping supplement of choice. I don't use it every night but sometimes for up to two weeks.

Although some people report nightmares, when I take supplements like B Vitamins and amino acids before sleeptime, I find that my dreams often become vivid, enjoyable ... almost addictive.

[MCake]

I had some nightmares when I started taking melatonin, but they went away pretty quickly. Bear in mind that melatonin works best after two weeks, when taken regularly. You might try taking a little less (split the pill in half), as several studies show that the standard 3 mg dose may be excessive for some people.

Good luck, Speedy

[SpeedyJason]

They're not going away.. its been about 5 days I think now. That seems a little long for nightmares to stick around.. I think I'm gonna call it quits and try something else.

[Morning Glory]

I had problems with Melatonin and got Schiff Melatonin Plus with 3 mg Melatonin and 25 mg Theanine. It worked much better for me and I stayed asleep through the night.

This is what it looks like.



I get mine at Costco, but you can order it on Amazon or possibly at your local pharmacy.

[SpeedyJason]

Thanks for the tip MG. What does Theanine do?

[Morning Glory]

Here is a link.

L-Theanine Unique Anxiety Reducer and Mood Enhancer Increases Alpha Waves and Alertness

[baggervance]

yall are so lucky it works for you im jealous. I didnt have nightmares but very vivid dreams they are so awsome i wanted to sleep all the time. I had one that I started writting down soon as I awoke but lost the ending it could have been the next harry potter. I was high then told my wife and said I should write a book on it she said your a freak. lol

[mikefreak]

Just got me a jar today- can't wait now after what I've read here!! WHEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! LOL

[radman198]

I have experianced very vivid nightmares with the extended release version. It only happen 3 times out of many uses.

[Sober02232011]

Originally Posted by SpeedyJason

So, I've just started taking some melatonin to help me to sleep at night and it seems to put me to sleep and actually keeps me asleep for longer than I usually do without it but I keep waking up at the odd hours because of vivid nightmares. I'm just wondering if anyone else has gotten this side effect? If so, does it stop? I've only taken it for 2 days and I'm planning on giving it more time but if they don't stop..why bother with it.

I took me a very long time to get used to melatonin - months. When I first started taking it, I would wake multiple times throughout the night. I continued taking it because I still woke feeling "better and well rested"... now I can take it and it doesn't really seem to bother me whatsoever, so, I'd say it's a personal choice if you can tolerate the dreams and wish to keep taking it.

[SpeedyJason]

This thread is quite old --- over 2 years old. But for the recent posters, I never did adjust to melatonin. I never fail to have a nightmare when I take it so I avoid it. I'm glad you guys are having better luck with it.

[aboveit]

Just watched an episode of Dr. Oz where he said the body makes its own Melatonin. He said if one wears a sleep mask, the body will be able to manufacture even more.

Seems like a natural way to go, huh?

[SpeedyJason]

That's why I used it, because it was a natural supplement that was already being produced by the body. Apparently my body doesn't agree with artificial "natural" supplements, haha. I haven't heard that about the sleep mask though, that's interesting.

[anew]

Melatonin, sleep mask, and ear plugs...otherwise I would never sleep. Also, I usually drink some chamomile tea before I get ready for bed.

[ShadowRogue]

I take piracetam from "Smart Drugs for Thought", it helps me sleep better. I take it in the morning with my coffee. It lets me have more vivid dreams and increases the chances of lucid dreaming which allows me to fall back asleep into a dream when waking, so it keeps me in REM sleep allowing me to get maximum benefits from sleeping.


Nice to meet you anyways! I've been sober for a little over 40 months