[JustDontAsk]

I have taken melatonin two times now. The first time it wasn't so bad until I felt like I couldn't think...Then I just kind of panicked. So I took it again the next night and I started to get all worked up right away. I don't even know if this is normal...I feel like I can't think and my mind shuts down and that kind of bothers me... But it really does help me sleep. I don't know if I should keep taking it or not...What do you guys think?

[PiperLeigh]

I've taken it for years. Thirty minutes before bed I take 3mg (research shows to use the smallest dose you find effective, as larger doses may actually have the opposite desired effect). I turn the overhead lights down, read or watch about fifteen minutes of tv, then I'm ready to sleep. I don't need to think while I sleep, so my mind resting is okay. That's kind of the point.

[JustDontAsk]

I guess I'm so used to just thinking that it makes me nervous when I shouldn't be...

Thanks for posting.

JDA

[Skully]

I also have taken it for years and I love it. It shuts down my brain enough for me to be able to get to sleep. I couldn't live without it!

[seeker1950]

It didn't seem to work at all for me. Wish it did!

[MandaMay]

JDA take half a dose and after you take it read or stare at the tv.... let your mind go blank... Kev will be on tonight, he can help you some more with it

[Inedible]

It you want to try something milder, you could try L-theanine. It is an amino acid from green tea and it is supposed to increase production of alpha waves. It is the range of frequencies that you produce when you are relaxed with closed eyelids. It would be easy to then transition into sleep. Because it is an amino acid it is best taken on an empty stomach with water, but I don't think the bottle says you have to take it that way.

Then there are herbs, such as chamomile with peppermint - the two go well together - or valerian. Kava kava has fallen out of favor because it has so many drug interactions. Or maybe scented oils? Lavender or jasmine?

[medkev13]

The shutting down of the brain is it forcing your body to accept that it's time to go to sleep. Typically, the shutting down happens simultaneously to falling asleep...or for night owls, about 4 in the morning when you realize you have the imprint of the keyboard on your forehead and all you've said is a slurry of nonsensical alpha-numerics.

You could simply take the que and go to bed when that starts happening...or go with Mandymae's advice and half the dose and take the other half right before you go to sleep. Don't take them too far apart, though or you won't have the same full effects. I'd say no more than 45 min apart.

Also, the panicking isn't uncommon if you're not used to the feeling of your brain chemicals forcing your body into sleep. Take a tip from Douglas Adams and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe" :: ~DON'T PANIC~ ;p

[JustDontAsk]

I only take 1mg at a time, do I just cut it in half or what...I try to go to bed like 20 minutes or less afterwards...I guess it's just new, I hope I get used to it...

Thanks for the posts everyone.

At least it works...

[MandaMay]

geesh you would think your own husband could remember how to spell your name.... and sweet dreams JDA... we are here for you