Melatonin

This is true. I've been taking it for about 10 years and only recently have I become convinced that it has been a main factor in my serotonin deficiency/depression blahblah... Unfortunately it does work well and although I can survive without it, it will usually take me a good 3 hours of lying silently in the dark before my brain will finally shut off.

Now I know many people think 5-htp is a scam but I honestly believe it helps replenish the serotonin that the melatonin eats up in my brain because I feel like a "normal person" when I do take it. It's definitely more than placebo, my thinking process just feels much more smooth and the inner turmoil is quieted slightly. Its effects are similar to MDMA to me.. I never actually roll or experience significant effects even on 250+mg, I just feel like the synapses are firing smoothly for a few hours and not sparking out all over the place if that makes any sense at all...

That being said, yes melatonin is legit and I recommend it but don't get stuck in a cycle with it like I am.

 

SB, have you thought about taking 5-HTP supplements, without melatonin, to see if that makes you feel any better?

 

Well, I've been taking 100-200mg 5-htp every day for the past few months and I seem to feel pretty good compared to before I stared taking it, or on the occasion I run out and have to go without for a few days/weeks. I'm not sure I'm in a good position to kick the melatonin ATM, as I have a crazy work schedule and sometimes only have a very short window to get in some sleep before working 16 or so hours. Sometimes I HAVE to get some sleep even when I'm not tired or I'll never make it through work. For instance, I might work 3a-11a and later that night from 9p to 12p the next day, there's no way I can stay awake that entire time (I've tried! It's horrible) so although I'm not tired after only being awake for 10 hours on the morning of the first day, I MUST get some sleep at least from like 1p-7p before going into work for the night.

 

what is your job? always sounds like it sucks

 

melatonin helps a little for me...meletonin+sedatives ACTUALLY helps