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Insomnia and Melatonin

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/25/2014 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
I have been experiencing horrible insomnia that has recently gotten worse. I am lucky if I can sleep 45 minutes at a time throughout the night. Ativan no longer helps and I've recently tried acupuncture, eating a little carbs and drinking chamomile tea with honey before bed, and still no improvement. I emailed my doctor to ask if I could take Melatonin, since I'm on Humira and his response was no. Does anyone know why this is? My dr suggested trazodone, but I prefer no meds. Any other natural recommendations would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Posted 11/25/2014 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
I thought about melatonin too, but after I read the side effects warnings, I decided otherwise:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/melatonin/safety/hrb-20059770

I alternate taking .25 Xanax, and other times I take Tylenol PM, which has benadryl in it. The key is not to take either one every day, or you build a tolerance and it no longer works. Perhaps that is what happened with the Ativan.
Posted 11/25/2014 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Melatonin is good at helping you get to sleep but will do nothing to keep you asleep. In a pinch to deal with jet lag, I have taken 3 mg of melatonin PLUS 5 mg of Ambien to seal the deal. I would not suggest this for frequent use.

Why do you think you are struggling with insomnia? I'd work on the root causes.
Posted 11/26/2014 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both for your responses. I agree, I probably have built up a tolerance to the Ativan. I will give the Tylenol PM a try. Not sure why I am struggling. I have never been a great sleeper, but it has never been this constant, except during horrible Crohn's flares when I am up all night. I think my next step will be to have my hormones checked. Thanks again!
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