Try extended release melatonin, and start with a much smaller dose.

Start w/ 1 or 2 mg. sublingual and see if it works. I think I've heard that taking 3 mg or over for a period of time is not recommended. But don't quote me on it. I'm trying to be helpful but not an expert.

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you have an underlying medical condition that makes you wake up during the night like sleep apnea? Have you talked to your doctor about your insomnia?

OP here - I've just always been a crappy sleeper. I can go to sleep easily but just can't stay asleep. No underlying medical issues. I think part of it is that I am a very light sleeper. I've talked to my GP and went to a psychologist once to see if anything could be done because a lot of times I wake up and start thinking about work or projects to do and I have a hard time turning my brain off. I've done the suggestions from the docs (keep a pen and pad by the bed to write down stuff, remember not much real work can be done at 4am, keep the bed for sleep and sex only) but to no avail.

OP, do you have an underlying medical condition that makes you wake up during the night like sleep apnea? Have you talked to your doctor about your insomnia?

no experience with melatonin - but sounds intriguing. I also have this problem at 4 am.....and after several nights in a row - I am a basketcase.
Trazadone makes me feel like shit!
The only thing that really works for me is Xanax. Though I really try to limit myself because I have heard so much about how it can be addicitve.
But is the only thing that gets me back to sleep - and even if only for 2.5 -3.5 hours...I wake up feeling fine.
It has been a lifesaver....but I would really like to try something less addictive...melatonin sounds like it is worth a try!
Good Luck.

Hi OP here. Thanks for this info. I took on 5mg pill last night at 10:30. I fell asleep okay like normal. I did wake up a handful of times overnight but never for more than 5 minutes, which is a huge improvement for me (usually up for 2-3 hour block once per night). I still feel pretty groggy this morning but I'm wondering if is just the leftover effects of not sleeping well for so long. I"m going to keep trying for a few days and see what happens. Thanks again.

It makes me tired and I fall asleep, but I wake up more times a night with melatonin usually and even if I don't wake, I feel like I didnt get quality sleep. Still better than no sleep though.

it did not work for me. it kept me up,tossing and turning.

Try using a smaller dose first- they can be more effective (I use TJs).

Melatonin is not long-lasting- meaning that if you take it at 2am to fall back asleep you will not be groggy at 7am. It sort of helps you relax and your brain know it is time for sleep. I also use it at night when I am busy and don't really have half an hour to "transition" to bed and relax.

Anonymous wrote:If you take it in the middle of the night you can still wake up at your normal time, not groggy? I only take it before bed but I would love to be able to take it in the middle of the night

I take this low-dose melatonin as needed when I can't sleep, even middle of the night. As long as you have a few hours to sleep it won't make you groggy in the am. It is chewable, so you can take it without water in the middle of the night. I've gotten it at Target and Safeway.
http://www.amazon.com/MidNite-Natural-Sleep-Supplement-30-Count/dp/B001INWH7C/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

19:09 again, I forgot to mention that I started out by taking it every night before falling asleep and it seemed to help me stay asleep. After a while, though, I switched to just taking it only as needed.

If you take it in the middle of the night you can still wake up at your normal time, not groggy? I only take it before bed but I would love to be able to take it in the middle of the night

I have problems with sleep and melatonin has worked well for me after trying Ambien and Trazodone. It was recommended to me by an oncology nurse. I like taking melatonin b/c I can take it as needed, such as in your situation, rather than having to take it on a daily basis like a prescription medication. E.g., if I woke up at 4:15 I would take it and be back asleep in less than 30 mins. Trader Joe's has a chewable version that is like a little mint but I regret I don't have it with me right now to tell you the dosage but I think it's about .5mg. Whatever the dosage is, one tablet works well for me. FWIW, I asked my GP whether there are any concerns about long term use of melatonin and she said no. Others on DCUM have argued that b/c it's a hormone long term use will somehow affect your body's ability to produce it naturally. Again, my GP negated that theory, so I've been taking it for several months as needed, but you should certainly talk to your doctor before taking it long term.

Melatonin is effective for some people, but not all. The only way to find out if it works for you is to try it. You could start with a 1/2 mg and see if that does anything.

I have found following tips in a better sleep habits book to be just as effective as melatonin.

4:15 am. I fall asleep every night easily but cannot stay asleep. Have been up for 2 hours. Does Melatonin work? How much per night? I'm always tired because every night I am up for some portion of time. Thanks