Melatonin Results

I've been taking melatonin this week to try to "stay asleep", which is what my version of insomnia chiefly prevents. So far, I've just had more nightmares than usual. When I purchased the melatonin, this was mentioned as a side effect. I scoffed at it because I have nightmares frequently, probably about two times a week.

It was no joke though. I've had nightmares all week, the first one being so freaky that even when I woke up it took several minutes to believe I was awake and that the dream wasn't in fact real.

I did a little digging on the Internet to uncover just how frequently this is listed as a side effect. This is what I found:

1. Google Answers: Long term side effects unknown, short term seem to be headaches, sleepy fog all day, and other various things that all suggest insomnia.

2. Mayo Clinic: Minimally effective for insomnia, better for jet lag.

3. Herbal Supplement Guide: Side effects can include headaches, nausea, nightmares, and dizziness.

4. Medicine Net seems to suggest I should give it at least another night as it is usually not effective for the first few days.

Honestly, it worked like a dream the first night I took it, when I took it right before bed. Otherwise, it doesn't seem to do anything for me. I think it is not the right solution for me. Perhaps it worked the first night because I had jet lag from the flight out to Cali from the east coast. To give it a full trial, I will take it again tonight and consider taking it through until I'm back on east coast time. At least that will give it a full week trial and test it on both jet lag and insomnia. If it works for jet lag, why not take it for that?!

Photo taken by flickr user size8jeans.