Melatonin For Insomnia

Paul871 on 07/05/2017 - 08:54
Last edited 07/05/2017 - 11:08 by 1 other user

I suffer from pretty bad insomnia at the moment and ordered Melatonin from overseas because the homeopathic formulas here didn't do much. (My doc recommended Melatonin and gave me a script.) The first night I slept well, but then I didn't sleep for two nights in a row in spite of feeling extremely tired and dizzy and feel pretty bad right now.
Searching online, I see that some people even claim that Melatonin keeps them awake. Is it possible? I did sleep the first night.
Or should I combine it with other natural products like Valerian? I did take something else in the middle of the night yesterday because I was desperate to sleep, but it didn't help.
In case it is relevant, I have been taking 5mg tablets..
Also, when is the best time to take it (How many hours before going to bed)?

Thanks!

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • chumlee on 07/05/2017 - 09:23
    +3

    You really want to take medical advice from ozbargain?

    Talk to your doctor or find a doctor that has a lot of experience in this area. Your health is worth more than free advice that most likely is people taking a guess

  • PJC on 07/05/2017 - 09:38

    My doc recommended Melatonin and gave me a script.

    So why order Melatonin from overseas?

    Sometimes worrying about sleep can keep one awake. Do something involving a screen or reading until your eyes are tired, then go to bed to rest your eyes for an hour. After that hour if you're still awake, return to the screen/reading/whatever until your eyes are tired and rest them another hour. After that hour if you're still awake …

    • R1ngSt1nger on 07/05/2017 - 10:35
      +2

      So why order Melatonin from overseas?

      Because Melatonin costs a crap load in Australia compared to overseas where it's relatively cheap.

  • altomic on 07/05/2017 - 10:11
    +1

    because the homeopathic formulas here didn't do much.

    I was going to poke fun at you for this statement, but you have done all the work for me.

    help ful hints-
    white noise machine/app
    identify stressful components in your life and seek to correct those
    get some regular exercise in (a few hours before you go to bed).

    • Captain Hindsight on 07/05/2017 - 12:28

      Ha, Google the video "That Mitchell and Webb Look: Homeopathic A&E". Think it sums up homeopathy pretty well.

  • wei13 on 07/05/2017 - 10:27
    +2

    Unfortunately sleep is more complicated than swallowing some pills. Many things play a role such as anxiety, lifestyle, routine, habit, diet, etc etc.

    Why don't you get your prescription melantonin filled here (where you can be guaranteed quality and dose) and try that for a few nights, and if it doesn't help go back and talk to your dr again?

  • Diji1 on 07/05/2017 - 11:57

    Ask you're doctor for a prescription for 25mg Endep which is a widely used and understood anti-depressant.

    Low doses make you feel tired in about 2 hours and it isn't a "knockout" sleeping pill like Temazapam or Ambien or Seroquel, you actually get REM sleep so you wake up feeling a lot better, like you slept naturally.

    Although you should be aware that not everyone has the same experience with anti-depressants.

    • OverburdenedWarrior on 07/05/2017 - 13:19

      I second this. I was prescribed Endep for help in managing ongoing daily headaches and can attest that it works well in helping you become drowsy so that you're able to sleep better. Everybody reacts differently however, so your mileage may vary. (I've been on it for a little over two months now and still feel that 'drowsy/out of it' feeling throughout the day. Not quite as bad as when you're first getting used to the tablets, but enough to be noticeable throughout day-to-day life.)

  • Captain Hindsight on 07/05/2017 - 12:33

    Also could ask your Dr if Valdoaxan is appropriate, It is used for depression but works on 2 Melatonin pathways and may be beneficial for sleep. May be a more potent person of Melatonin and only available by prescription. BTW Ambien in Oz is called Stilnox.

    • Toons on 08/05/2017 - 02:57
      +1

      Costs a fortune but it is the only anti depressant you can stop cold turkey i would plus it but i hate medication

      I would get the sleep study done if it's recurring you might find there is something else that is causing the sleep issues, i.e. sleep apnoea if you snore a lot this can do some damage to sleep patterns and treated correctly helps you get back to that deep rem sleep you need for recovery.

      sounding out options is ok but find a good doc.

  • Paul871 on 07/05/2017 - 13:15

    Thank you for the replies.
    Yes, as others have said I bought it from overseas because it is much cheaper than going to a compound chemist, and it arrived very quick too. It had a lot of positive reviews, and many Aussies buy it from overseas and are happy, so I guess it's just me.
    I also use a device called Procyon, which sort of helped in the past, but doesn't help much any more.
    I also do some exercise, but usually in the morning. Not as helpful as in the late afternoon, I know, but I am really tired in the late afternoon. Maybe I can try when I sleep a bit more and am not so tired in the evening.
    I think I will also try to reduce the dose before I give it up completely. Strangely some people say they sleep more with smaller doses, in particular those who are trying it for the first time.
    I do have some underlying issues I am trying to address and solve (like anxiety), but it takes some time, and insomnia makes them worse, so it is a bit tricky. Maybe I should really start with an anti-depressant and take Melatonin later to regulate my sleep when other issues have been solved or at least have been improved. I will definitely ask my doc about the anti-depressants you recommend.
    PS: I haven't been to a sleep clinic yet, but am considering it. There is one in my area, so that wouldn't be an issue.

    • LyndonBBear on 07/05/2017 - 13:33

      My doctor recommends Restavit. It works well for me - only have to take 1/4 tablet now. Over the counter, about $10 for 12.

      • Paul871 on 07/05/2017 - 14:48

        Thanks. Do you use it regularly or is it possible to use it regularly? It says here "Do not use it for more than ten days consecutively": http://www.mydr.com.au/medicines/cmis/restavit-tablets
        It could certainly help right now to re-establish regular sleep patterns.

        • LyndonBBear on 07/05/2017 - 14:51

          My doctor is well aware of my regular use. I think I did start with one, then cut down to half, and now a quarter every night. Might not need it sometimes, but if I don't take it, then I worry that I haven't taken it, which then causes a sleeplessness. And unlike the Temazes, you do get a good solid sleep for 8 hours, usually no grogginess in the mornings either.

        • Paul871 on 07/05/2017 - 15:38

          @LyndonBBear: I know what you mean. I feel the same when I have been taking something for some time. If I don't take it I then feel I won't feel well or sleep (in this case). I will talk to my doc too, but I think it would be a good idea to do the same (gradually reduce the dose, but still take something).

      • Paul871 on 15/05/2017 - 07:38

        It worked fine for me too. Not immediately, but considering something had really upset me yesterday and I predicted a completely sleepless night it was not bad. I wanted to take 1/4 or 1/2 tablet like the night before (the first night I tried it), but then ended up taking a whole tablet (combined with Valerian) because I was still nervous, and then it worked.
        I am curious to see how it works in the next few nights.
        Do they keep record at the pharmacy of how often you buy it? Because they told me what I had said a few days ago (what I had found online), that is to say that it is only for a few days. But if it works I would like to take it more often of course, even if now and then I think I will have a sleepless night anyway, but at least I want to avoid several sleepless nights in a row…

  • Paul871 on 07/05/2017 - 13:18
    +2

    By the way, it is so true that worrying about sleep can keep you awake. This particular weekend I had planned to go to Sydney and both nights I was worried I would not sleep because I had to do a lot of things in Sydney, and I really didn't sleep so I could not go…

  • OverburdenedWarrior on 07/05/2017 - 13:26

    I used to have similar troubles and like you, ordered Melatonin from overseas (Eurovital 5mg Time Release). I found that it actually made matters worse. I wasn't sleeping any better and instead would wake up with a raging headache following uses of it. Eventually I gave up on it and switched back to some form of Natures Own that's always on special. As suggested above, once I was prescribed Endep, I found my sleeping troubles to ease up. (and thankfully, the headaches as well!)

  • Paul871 on 07/05/2017 - 13:28

    Yes, I have a horrible headache too right now, but of course I haven't slept for two days/nights. The first day I tried it (when I slept) I had a headache for a few hours in the morning, but I felt better in the afternoon.

  • Findo on 08/05/2017 - 02:14

    Try GABA, my doctor prescribed that (can be found online too on iherb) as an alternative to Seroquel

    • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 07:33

      Thank, I will. I bought my melatonin from iherb too by the way, and it appears many products are cheaper in the USA anyway, so I will be using them again and try GABA too.

  • Toons on 08/05/2017 - 02:49

    hey the melatonin didn't work for me, made things worse. also not recommended for people under 50 from memory,

    My body clock struggles to return back in southern hemisphere when ever i spend more than 4 days in Europe it can take months compared to the days when i goto Europe

    this isn't everyones cuppa but thankfully it's a decent time of year for it, Sleep outside in a tent (They say 5 days) the natural light wakes you up and straight into vitamin D, it was the easiest non chemical herbal treatment that actually worked and resets your circadian rhythm.

    • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 07:36
      +2

      I finally slept a bit. I took what I used to take before the melatonin and half the dose of melatonin I had taken in the previous days and at first I still couldn't sleep (I was a bit loaded with negative energy), but then I finally fell asleep. I will have to test if it really works or if maybe I collapsed because I had not slept for so long.
      I would love to sleep outside, but I don't have a garden and I wouldn't know where to sleep outside. :(

      • PJC on 08/05/2017 - 08:14

        Good, every bit of sleep helps. Prepare to rest your eyes for an hour, think of something you really like doing, add lots of detail, and there's a fair chance you will end up dreaming. If not, at least your eyes rested.

        • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 09:57

          Thanks. My eyes are better today, but on the weekend they were really burning. I still "look" very tired, with really black circles under my eyes.
          I am trying to relax, but it is not always easy… Classical music or also music for relaxation on YouTube help a bit.

        • PJC on 08/05/2017 - 11:20

          @OzBargainGrabber: Stop trying to relax. It is inevitable your eyes will eventually get tired.

        • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 16:16

          @PJC: I wish I knew how to stop trying! My worst nights are when I try really hard to sleep because I have to do something important the next day or I have to meet someone. When I know it is not a big deal because I can relax during the day I sleep, when I really have to I don't, but I don't know how to stop this "I really have to… otherwise I will be tired etc."

        • PJC on 08/05/2017 - 16:28

          @OzBargainGrabber: You need a more practical philosophy, not tablets. Have you any doubt you will need to pee on Thursday? It isn't worth thinking about because you know natural stuff is going to happen anyway. So you may as well believe what you really know and accept sleep too is natural.

        • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 16:34

          @PJC: I know, but it is difficult to put into practice sometimes.

        • PJC on 08/05/2017 - 16:37

          @OzBargainGrabber: It is easier when you decide to believe what is undeniable, because that never needs effort.

      • Toons on 08/05/2017 - 10:18

        yeah it happens but take the sleep when you can get it, especially to get some of that recovery your body needs just don't make a habit of sleeping all day never helps fixing the issue

        were living in our apartment at the minute so we have a large balcony i sometimes use that or next to the main patio doors with them wide open fly screens shut obviously

        When i travel to europe or anything with a difference of -6 hours or more im fine till day 4 ten i sleep close 18 hours or if i've been hard at it for the first few days closer to 36 then its all over

        I wish i could do the same on way back

        these are quite good and can give you a decent nights sleep all natural herbs

        (https://ediblebeautyaustralia.com/collections/tea-1/products…)

        you can get them from some of the chemists

        • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 10:55

          When I travel I can't sleep at all, even if it is the same timezone. Obviously it is because of anxiety. When I went to Cairns and wanted to go to the Great Barrier Reef I was so nervous I couldn't sleep for one single minute and because locals had predicted a perfect day with a perfect view (very rare to have such a view they said, and the day after it would be a completely different story) I really wanted to go, and I did go but felt like just watching without doing anything, which was fine because it was beautiful to watch too.
          I can't really sleep during the day, although sometimes I stay in bed if I feel really bad, but my pet keeps calling me…
          I will have a look at the herbs, thanks.

  • Big Trev on 08/05/2017 - 09:41
    +1

    Suggest you have a look into meditation. I am not very good at practicing (I come and go from time to time), but doing some basic mindfulness may help calm your mind when it's time to sleep. Headspace is a recommended app for beginners also.

    I don't get bad insomnia, but when I do have problems getting to sleep I find something with valerian root helps me get to sleep - not sure whether it's a placebo or not, but it seems to work.

    • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 09:53
      +1

      Ironically I didn't sleep on the weekend because I really wanted to go to Sydney (as I said in a previous post), and the reason was that they had some meditation programs at Darling Harbour. Of course there are programs and books everywhere, so I still have a chance. :)
      Incidentally, I used to meditate in the past, but then got lost because my mind was like a volcano at times. I think step by step I can get back into it, maybe starting to meditate for only a few minutes, then more when my mind is calmer.

    • Halo375 on 11/05/2017 - 12:56

      Big plus 1 for meditation. I attended classes that were instructor led guided meditation - mostly relaxing thing I've ever experienced. At the end I was well rested, calm and very sleepy. Breathing exercises are fantastic.

  • Sensiekatie on 08/05/2017 - 13:02

    My specialist prescribed melatonin many years ago. I went off it when that brand was unavailable.

    However, he has suggested it again with 2 choices:
    1) synthetic from any chemist 10 mg - not bad price wise
    2) from compounding chemist

    I went for synthetic for now for price, but would prefer the compound script.

    I would not use the melatonin from overseas as you cannot guarantee quality. I have had crap when my first brand was not available - and it does nothing.

    It cannot be taken every night. It works best as an occasional use, otherwise your body does not react to it - you are desensitised.

    It is taken about 1 hour before bed.

    Yes, worrying about sleeping makes it worse.

    If you are having trouble with your mind not stopping at night. There used to be a wonderful prescription drug for this but it is no longer available.

    I have medical issues and my brain will not switch off at night and it will not turn on in the morning. My specialist suggested L-Arginine last time I went (morning and night I take it). It actually does both and also provides some get up and go. I have read it is used at night to promote melatonin production in your own body, amongst its other properties. It is an amino acid.

    I got some at the compounding pharmacy with a script for $49. I have just got some from I-herb but the price is about similar. I will see how long it lasts by comparison before deciding which way to go next time.

    Do not get D-arginine. Different amino acid which increases testosterone.

    I would not try an anti-depressant or other drugs unless you have the issue it should be used for - anti-depressants for depression. I am a health professional and I found out a few years ago that there is flags for visits to mental health professionals (psychiatrists particularly - privately funded other health professionals cannot be tracked in medicare) and prescriptions for what they class as psychiatric drugs. This information somehow is used in several ways - insurance is just one. So certainly do not avoid these things if they are needed.

    1) read everything about sleep hygiene and ensure you have used those measures
    2) have a home sleep study at some point
    3) use a variety of sleep meditations/hypnosis
    4) take a cup or 2 of herbal teas - there are several options but camomile, valerian come to mind. Warm milk has some effect. There is actual logic there. The dairy farmers used a cup of their night-time milk. Why their night time milk. The cows are producing melatonin for their own sleep and it is in the night milk but not the morning.
    5) seek help for your anxiety and other issues

    Good luck with it all.

    • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 16:22

      Thank you for your post and your advice! Reading what you said, I might have taken the melatonin too early (at about 7pm).
      As for depression, yes, I think I have been depressed for as long as I can remember (even as a child), but medication didn't help in the past, so I was hoping there was something new on the market (like the meds they recommended here). In the past I have been taking Zoloft for example, but I just felt tired and not happy after taking it (and yes, I did wait a few weeks as they told me to do).

  • PlasticSpaceman on 08/05/2017 - 13:22

    FWIW I used to use valerian and found it helped, but I know that for some people it almost acts like caffeine. Basically, one to test before using on a plane trip!

    As you've discovered, dosage with melatonin is important. More does not necessarily equal better. Of course listen to what your doctor says, but for me I found that it was best to start with a smaller dose to begin with. When I bought some whilst overseas, the smallest dosage I could find was 3mg. For me, maybe half a mg was the right amount to kick my cycle back into gear after returning from an overseas trip.

    Key (again for me - may not be the case for you or everyone else) I find is to try to get into good habits and not rely upon melatonin etc - don't eat a lot just before going to sleep. If hungry, maybe a banana or milk is ok. Try not to watch a lot of tv just before going to sleep. If you find it hard to relax, read a book for half an hour or an hour, and then put it to one side even if you're "not feeling sleepy". Turn out the lights and close your eyes. Don't read yourself to sleep. Try to go to bed at around the same time. Get block out blinds to reduce light levels in your bedroom. Get rid of or cover phone chargers etc that have those bright LEDs on them. Try not to think about work or other issues - think instead about going on a relaxing holiday, sitting on a beach, whatever you might enjoy. If you find it hard to relax, then definitely check out meditation techniques. As with all things, treat this as a general rule - still go out and have fun, have late nights etc, just not all the time. It's like eating properly - have lots of veggies etc but (unless you are allergic to it) still have chocolate etc every now and then.

    As an aside, I used to drink a lot of coffee. I now find that I have to limit that to just one or at most two cups a day before lunch. I do not drink it after lunch otherwise I can find it hard to sleep. Instead I drink green tea which has maybe a third (or less) the caffeine as a standard cup of coffee. If you are a Coke drinker, keep in mind that has a fair amount of caffeine as can a number of other foods like chocolate, ice cream…. again not saying don't have 'em but check your diet and make sure you stick with moderation most of the time and try to avoid having them later in the day as a general rule.

    Final comment. Some people have issues sleeping, or are tired when they wake up etc - and it can be sleep apnea. Not saying you have that either, just more for other people reading…. would never suggest jumping to that conclusion immediately, but if you do have sleeping issues over an extended period it is definitely work checking your local GP for advice (as you have done) and keep going back if it doesn't get sorted as you might need to go to a sleep clinic.

    • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 16:29

      Thanks for your reply. I started with 5mg, and that might really have been the issue. My doc had given me a script for 5mg, but had said to take half a tablet and the other half if I really can't sleep. But I wanted to sleep in order to go to Sydney, so I took 5mg straightaway, and it was not a good idea.
      I don't eat heavy stuff before going to bed, just something light. Bananas give me nightmares for some reason.
      I also use a mask to block out light.
      I don't drink coffee after 11am or it will keep me awake. I don't drink coke, only natural juice.
      I actually do have a bit of sleep apnea, but not always so it would be difficult to go to a clinic just in case it doesn't happen for a few nights…. It is usually BEFORE I go to sleep, not in the middle of the night.

  • tik tok on 08/05/2017 - 15:57

    Not related to the question you ask, but, did you try Valerian forte ? Sleeping pills are habit forming YMMV

    • Paul871 on 08/05/2017 - 16:31

      Yes, I did in the past. Maybe I should try it again. Right now I am taking Swisse Sleep (3 tablets). I took it before the melatonin and I am now combining it with it (the smaller dose of melatonin). Sometimes I also take Swisse Mood tablets.

  • LyndonBBear on 08/05/2017 - 21:01

    Another trick I've been trying is the breathing thing. I think it is breathe in for 7 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 8, something like that. Do it a few times and seems to relax and do the trick. Then roll over and sleep isn't too far away. Something else is to close the eyes and roll them toward the ceiling. It is said to stimulate your natural melatonin.

    • Paul871 on 09/05/2017 - 06:01

      Thanks, I will try tonight. I think I have a recording with some breathing exercises and I will try to find it today.
      I just had another totally sleepless night. I have to say that although I have always had issues with insomnia, this month has been the worst ever (in my whole life!). Usually I don't sleep much, but totally sleepless nights are not the rule, and this month I had more sleepless nights than normal nights with even a couple of hours sleep.

  • Sensiekatie on 09/05/2017 - 10:55

    The synthetic melatonin in Circadin 2 mg. cost was $36 and some cents. The label says 1 to 2 hours before bed. I thought he had 10 mg in the compound script, but I am not sure and I don't have it. my specialist said 1/2 the Circadan, bug that did nothing.

    My mother took a lot iof different anti-drpresssnts before finding the right one. A lot of people do.

    Before I went back on the melatonin, I was keeping an equal amount of salt and sugar by my bed. A pinch on your tongue if you cannot sleep did work most of the time. If I woke and couldn't go back, I would repeat. The combination does something in your brain.

    I have never used sleepers etc.

    I have sleep apnoea and hypopneas, fi have used CPAP since 2012. My first sleep study in the clinic, I could not sleep. Next time, I did a home study - my own bed, all bulkbilled.

    It sounds as though sometimes, you may drop off and wake with the apnoea episode..early morning headaches can be due to this - when you have slept.

    Sleep apnoea is dangerous. So do not put it off. I was do afraid of a Darth Vader mask. However, it is OK. My whole thing makes very little noise. If you insist on Auto CPAP, you do not need repeated sleep studies however, some do genuinely need other forms.

    I read a recent thing that said keep it on all night from Day 1. My Aunt was forced to do this every night in a hospital slerp clinic and could not go home until she did so. .I was lucky enough to have a therapist who said, keep it on as long as you can and take it off when it annoys you. Try again later in the night. I aimed for 2 hours and gradually increased it. I was compliant within 2 weeks or so, rather than just giving up.

    • Paul871 on 10/05/2017 - 07:53

      Thank you for your reply. My sleep apnoea is very strange and doesn't happen every night. It basically happens exactly when I am falling asleep and then (of course) I wake up again. Sometimes it really feels like I am going to die. But it doesn't happen all the time, so it is difficult to study it.
      Yes, you are right, it takes some time before finding the right med for you. And it is even more difficult because doctors say you have to wait a bit before knowing if it works or not. You can't just say it doesn't work because it didn't work the first couple of days. I think I will order 3mg melatonin from iherb next time, and then try half of it.
      Thank you for the salt and sugar tip! I will try it.

      • Sensiekatie on 11/05/2017 - 12:48

        You may have more minor apnoeas and/or hypopnoeas in your sleep and not know it. This leads to low oxygen levels which causes issues and you feel crap with low energy. Most people are totally unaware, so it concerns me that you are aware and feel that deprivation of oxygen and not breathing. It must be a long apnoea event you are describing.

        In my study, my longest was 27 seconds. I have never felt like you do before or after CPAP.

        A sleep study may find nothing as you say - my first one did cos I didn't sleep - though they said I did for a while. Home was best for me.

        • Paul871 on 11/05/2017 - 13:40

          Yes, and also headaches. I think my headaches are also caused by low oxygen apart from (obviously) insomnia. I think I am aware of it because I am still half awake. It is just that moment when I am just going to sleep.
          The problem with a sleep study is that my apnoea doesn't always occur in the first place, and it costs them money to conduct such studies (they can't just observe me for days until it occurs), and secondly I think my insomnia would be even worse if I knew they are observing me… If I really had to undergo such a study, I would definitely prefer to be in my own bed.

      • Halo375 on 11/05/2017 - 13:00

        I had the same situation that kept me awake two nights in a row - experiencing a panic attack just as I'm about to fall asleep which jolted me awake again and again and again. Seeing a doctor he prescribed anti-depressants (Zoloft) and sleeping pills for the first few days. When the Zoloft had kicked in and settled in I was calmer, anxiety was reduced and I could sleep more naturally. Improving diet, cutting down on alcohol, exercising in the evenings, cutting out video games / tv one hour before bed also helped. Gotta get in the right mood for sleep.

        • Paul871 on 11/05/2017 - 13:41

          I do intend to talk to my doc about anti-depressant, but the Zoloft itself didn't help me. It is personal. Not every product works for everyone. I think out there there must be something that helps me, but the problem will be experimenting and finding it!

        • Halo375 on 11/05/2017 - 13:59

          @OzBargainGrabber: Completely agree - you have to find what works for you. Zoloft is an absolute bastard of a drug, hard to start and harder to quit. Fortunately I managed to ditch the drugs eventually by making some life changes to keep my anxiety under control. It's hard work but having a good GP and visiting a psychologist for some advice on treating anxiety worked out. You'll find your own path I'm sure.

        • Paul871 on 19/05/2017 - 12:10

          @Halo375:
          Thanks, yes, life changes are always the best option and it surprises me that doctors usually don't even bother to listen and offer concrete advice instead of trying to drug people up to quickly get rid of a problem (of course you don't really get rid of a problem with meds, but they normally don't know).

        • Halo375 on 19/05/2017 - 13:04

          @OzBargainGrabber:
          Ha! The first time I was diagnosed with a panic disorder my doctor said said - "You have two options. I can send you to a shrink who will basically say it's all your fault and maybe by talking about it you'll get better. Or - I'll give you some happy pills as a solution to actually fix the problem."
          In the end both approaches worked - pills relieved the symptoms, shrink identified the causes of the problem, or behaviors I had that increased the likelihood of panic attacks. Then - making changes to my life helped me take control, and get off the drugs and off the shrink's couch.

    • Toons on 11/05/2017 - 13:38

      nice note didn't know you could get the study's done at home and bulk billed "bonus"

      I'm very anti anti depressants some numpty of a doctor tried to cure my sleeping problems with A/D nearly killed me. the first one made me feel dodgy the second dose started shutting my organs down luckily i found the best Dr because of it and he has been my GP for about 7 years now

      i now there has been a lot of throwing medication into this forum

      but anyone being asked to take or feel the need for A/D in their life should really take advice from their GP Phsych and have them consider this if they are unaware.

      (https://genesight.com/patients/genesight/psychotropic/)

      It's a genetic test that tells the doctor what medications will work with you that is 99% accurate. eliminates the trial and error quite well from discussions i've had.

      • Paul871 on 11/05/2017 - 13:43

        Thanks for the link! I am a bit like you. Many meds didn't work in the past (and even made me worse) and I would be really happy to find a doc that helps me with that test.

      • Sensiekatie on 12/05/2017 - 12:08

        Yes home study bulk-billed - they are certainly here in Brisbane. No one is observing you.

        I sent the referral. The sleep therapist came to my home with the equipment. Set it all up so it was easy for me to put on at my bed time. Set it to start and stop at my usual sleep times. I had to do nothing other than take it on and off.

        Less things attached than in the clinic. She collected and then came back with the results after it was all downloaded and analysed. Never went to them. Only downside is I have no insurance so had up either hire or buy machine after the trial. The hospital system will give people a machine after so long compliant - but it is in hospital. No thank you.

        My specialist had given me a referral but my GP knew where I could get it bulk-billed.

        • Paul871 on 13/05/2017 - 06:58

          I move a lot when I cannot sleep, I am not sure I could have something attached to me… :( I do know where the sleep clinic is, so I could just go there one day and explain the situation to them and see what they recommend.

  • Toons on 12/05/2017 - 12:15

    much cheaper overseas to buy units person who did the study should be able to provide set up parameters if you need a higher air pressure etc.

    • Sensiekatie on 13/05/2017 - 14:17

      With no guarantee. Fisher and Paykl, for example, will not service or communicate with anyone but an Aussie dealer.

      They are not alone. I have found other companies recently who will not warranty aN eBay or amazon purchase - not this industry. However, it is a trend.

      • Sensiekatie on 13/05/2017 - 14:19

        You would also need a trial to determine if effective for you and get right mask etc.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/05/2017 - 00:45

    There are essential oils that can help people sleep. Lavender and rosemary are good for helping people sleep. Put the essential oils in a capsule and take the capsule before going to bed. Take the capsule an hour or thirty minutes before going to bed.

    • Paul871 on 19/05/2017 - 12:11

      Thank you for the advice!

  • Lizzy2004 on 17/09/2017 - 15:58
    +2

    Hi Paul, late comment. Probably not the best place to get advice but you have had some good advice. Being a light sleeper/insomniac most of my life I'd suggest you stay away from doctors and work it out for yourself. You have so many good things for sleep at your fingertips these days. And anti depressants isn't one of them unless you want to end up with worse problems. Besides the obvious, ear plugs, block out mask, quiet dark cool room, no blue light 2 hours before bed, exercise in the morning, no coffee past midday, be careful with b vitamins only take in the morning, there is 5mg melatonin (homeopathic doesnt work and anything lower than 5mg doesnt work), compounding pharmacy prescription is expensive so order online from the U.S. There is also CBD oil which is excellent. It can even cure and treat all sorts of health problems. I started on 4 drops under the tongue twice a day and built up to 9 drops twice a da over 2 months (you have to build it up in your system). Excellent for anxiety/stress and insomnia. Don't be put off because its marijuana, its legal and theres no THC in it so you cant get high. I will be on it for life I think, if I'd known about it 15 years ago I could have avoided a myriad of health problems from chronic stress. It is expensive though.

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