[Chari]

I’ve had insomnia for 12 months. I’m 67 years old. Insomnia brings on anxiety because of memories of my previous experience as my late husband’s carer when he had early onset Alzheimer’s. In those days, I managed with very little sleep which made me worry about my ability to take care of him. At the moment, my anxiety is under control. I’ve been seeing a psychologist regularly as recommended by my Dr. I’m on several medications for my insomnia each evening namely…Circadin 4mg, Magnesium 200mg, Avanza 30mg, Temazepam 10-20mg. Last night, I tried fast-acting liquid melatonin 3mg together with Circadin 2mg, Avanza 30mg, Temazepam 10mg. I could not fall asleep until the early hours of the morning and woke up at 7:30am. I was hoping the fast-acting melatonin would put me to sleep sooner. I don’t consume alcohol, caffeine, nor smoke. I walk almost every day for an hour and attend a weekly yoga class. I go to bed at the same time every night. I don’t know what else to do.

[Chris]

Hello Chari-

53 male without your experience’s

I just started the Melatonin drops a week ago.

About how ling ago I found this site. Dry mouth

is my only guess what the drops are doing.  My last

SP was Ambien, tolerance is winning there.

I have reduced my tobacco from 20 to currently

8 a day! I smoke grass for calm/appetite/sleep assistance.

But again I am afraid tolerance wins.

I think I am working on 6-7 nights of sleep right now.

I wish I could say how good it feels, but it is better to

just appreciate it.

If you are new to the site welcome.

 

[SergioRenato7]

I’ve heard a lot about the body building tolerance to melatonin. By giving your body melatonin it will start to produce less of it itself. Perhaps try a precursor like Tryptophan or 5-HTP. They aren’t actually precursors to melatonin but they are to serotonin which is a precursor to melatonin. In this case the melatonin in increase may be more subtle but at least your body will continue to make its own melatonin and should create even more with the added supplements.

What’s causing the insomnia in the first place?

I have insomnia and anxiety too, but I haven’t seen anyone yet. Is there a difference between seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist?

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forum, Chari. First of all, let me state that there is currently insufficient evidence that melatonin supplements are an effective method for treating or managing insomnia. More evidence exists to suggest that melatonin can help reduce the symptoms of jet lag — particularly when traveling in an easterly direction and when crossing more than five time zones. You can read more about melatonin supplements here:

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/melatonin-the-natural-sleeping-pill

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/understanding-melatonin-supplements

There is a very close relationship between insomnia and anxiety, with both feeding off one another. As sleep becomes worse, anxiety can increase — and, as anxiety increases, sleep tends to get progressively worse.

Has your doctor talked to you about cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia? From what you’ve shared, it sounds as though you may be a good candidate.

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[Author]

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