Published on 12, July, 2020
I've just seen my alternative therapy Doctor (he diagnosed me with M.E. years ago). He's prescribed me with a few months worth of melatonin supplements to help with my sleep disturbances. He said there is a lot of evidence that melatonin deficiency is common in autistic people, and that it has helped many autistics to improve the quality of their sleep, regulate their circadian rhythms, and ease anxiety. So, here goes!
***update***
I had my first tablet last night.
My son has been taking these for months and have really helped his sleep, no side effects we can see. All very positive.
Hi Moon. I can't say that I have experienced any effects from the melatonin so far. It's only been 2 weeks, so I'll keep the thread updated with any positive or negative effects.
Hi GailA, according to the Doctor, they can take 3-4 weeks before sleep starts improving. I'm already seeing benefits after two weeks. I empathise with your son's predicament. I can't remember a time, growing up, when I slept well. It's one long memory of sleepless nights, tears and frustration. I hope your son gets his prescription soon and that he soon starts to see some improvement. I'll keep this thread updated as the time goes by to post any more improvements I experience.
Interesting.
I take an anti-histamine (promethazine) sometimes for insomnia, but it leaves me feeling a little groggy for half the following day. So I only take it if I'm freaking out.
Do you notice any effects from the melatonin the next day?
Hi Mycal, my son is waiting to get his prescription for Melatonin as he hasn't slept properly since a baby and we are hoping that they have the same effect - ie encouraging natural sleep and prolonging the length and thus quality. Thank you for sharing that.
Two weeks into taking these nightly melatonin tablets, results have been surprising. Even though my whole brain still fights the idea of hitting the sack at normal times; I'm naturally wanting to go to sleep before 2am. More amazing than that, once I do go to sleep, I never wake up during the night anymore. This was the worst thing for me; would wake up two to three times a night, go downstairs, make tea, eat a snack—but not anymore. Now, I stay asleep for a good 6 to 7 hours on average.
Like bread,have them most days in some form. Could eat chips everyday if i had my way,but can resist! Lol If a GP read this they'd be going "theyre a carb,u know its bad blah blah blah" . The same people who ignored my seizures that were worse at night when had crap sleep for years! If NHS ha5 their way i'd be on Insulin and mess my thyroid up as messes with thyroid meds! My sugar levels caused by a tumour in head they can't be bothered with(even pre Covid!). GP's are paid too much too prescribe drugs like Insulin!
Spuds are a food source of Magnesium.
Ok,bit early to say yet then.
Personally(and not recommending in case gets reported by someone!) I take a night tiome capsule that contains L Theanine(amino acid),5HTP,magnesium,chamomile and lemon balm. Got me to sleep better,but wake still,but maybe get up to 5 hrs straight. Been taking 3 wks.
My sleep is either famine or feast.
I must get lavender stuff from Holland and Barrett.
Same as Dawn said,be interesting if it works.
Never heard of that one but let us know if it works. I'd be interested.