Melatonin

Here you can share your experiences with substances that are ingested, inhaled, or otherwise consumed for the purpose of relieving RLS, other than prescription medications. For example, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, diet, kratom, and marijuana (for now) should be discussed here. Tell others of successes, failures, side effects, and any known research on these substances. [Posts on these subjects created prior to 2009 are in the Physical Treatments forum.]

Important: Posts and information in this section are based on personal experiences and recommendations; they should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider.
Forum rules
Post Reply
Frunobulax
Posts: 438
Joined: Mon Jun 02, 2014 7:41 pm

Melatonin

Post by Frunobulax »

I stumbled over an article regarding melatonin and WED (http://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2011-08/restless-leg-syndrome-and-melatonin, dealing with a study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20226733). I think overall there are conflicting reports about the association between Melatonin and WED: Some people claim that Melatonin helps their WED, some studies find no effect. I also don't know what the long-term effects of Melatonin are.

I started taking Melatonin a few weeks ago. I experienced no immediate effect. It did make me sleepy, but I didn't have bad cases of insomnia recently so I used it only occasionally. I guess I should attempt a regular Melatonin supplement for some time, just to see if it does something for me.
(1) How long should I take the Melatonin to judge if I see an effect? If I don't see improvement after a few weeks, does it make sense to continue the experiment? (It seems to have few side effects, so it is probably safe to add Melatonin for some time.)
(2) For WED treatment, does it make a difference if I use prolonged release Melatonin (which seems to be a bit harder to obtain in the EU) or normal Melatonin?
(3) I wonder why strengthening the circadian rhythm (which is one of the effects that Melatonin has) should be helpful for WED sufferers. I always wondered if it would be beneficial for my WED to avoid a strong circadian rhythm - even though it may be harmful to my sleep in other respects...

Regards, F.
Top
ViewsAskew
Moderator
Posts: 16576
Joined: Thu Oct 28, 2004 6:37 am
Location: Los Angeles

Re: Melatonin

Post by ViewsAskew »

I don't know a lot. What I remember from reading about it long ago was that it's only helpful to those who have a deficit and that you'd know right away if you took it if you had a deficit. It just wouldn't work otherwise.

But, that theory applies to non-WED folks.

Did you look at any research?

This was a very helpful one, I thought. http://naturalmedicinejournal.com/journ ... -melatonin
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest

Managing Your RLS

Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.
Top
NellieK
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2014 1:38 am

Re: Melatonin

Post by NellieK »

I've taken melatonin for years, both regular and prolonged release. I take 5mg per night. It does help make me sleepy, but it does nothing for my RLS.
Top
Polar Bear
Moderator
Posts: 8815
Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 4:34 pm
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Melatonin

Post by Polar Bear »

I think melatonin is only expected to help with sleep pattern and not WED/RLS.
Unfortunately it didn't help my sleep pattern in any way.
Doctor told me it could only be taken for 13 weeks max.
Betty
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/a ... 0/fulltext
Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Non-prescription Medicines, Supplements, Diet”