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Suggest Remedies For Sleeplessness And Nightmares While On Melatonin
Question: Hello. I suffer from anxiety depression and I have PTSD like symptoms but not diagnosed with PTSD. I am able to live a healthy life without medication . The only thing I suffer from is nightmares and sleeplessness. I took a 10 mg pill of melatonin 2 days in a row and on the second day I punched my girlfriend in her face while sleeping and don't remember. I've been trying to find the answer worrying I'm crazy until I looked up the side affects of the suppliment. Did the melatonin cause the parasomnia and assault.
Brief Answer:
No, it is not known to cause parasomnia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
As per the available data melatonin is not known to cause parasomnia or related disorders. On the contrary it is used for disorders such as REM sleep behaviour disorder, in which person acts his dreams and may assault his/her partner. I mean to say that melatonin can be useful in prevention or control of parasomnias but not known to cause these problems.
Considering the history of nightmares there is possibility that you had parasomnia in past which got accentuated recently due to one or another reason leading to assault on your partner.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
No, it is not known to cause parasomnia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
As per the available data melatonin is not known to cause parasomnia or related disorders. On the contrary it is used for disorders such as REM sleep behaviour disorder, in which person acts his dreams and may assault his/her partner. I mean to say that melatonin can be useful in prevention or control of parasomnias but not known to cause these problems.
Considering the history of nightmares there is possibility that you had parasomnia in past which got accentuated recently due to one or another reason leading to assault on your partner.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I believe a couple times in the past I have tried having sex in my sleep but I've never lashed out or attacked anyone. I've been sharing a bed for 6 years with my ex wife and now 4 months with my girlfriend. I read online there are side affects and that 10mg is a lot. I'm just trying to find the answer as to why I hurt someone I love when I've never done it before. and the only thing I did different was take melatonin. I have had a drinking problem but also Im not an aggressive drinker
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
Yes there are some anecdotal reports of sleep disorders but none of them proved till date. As stated by you that you had parasomnias in past (tried having sex) so it could be stated that the current episode was extension of same problem albeit in different manner.
I also feel that ordering polysomnography is indicated to delineate the true pathology of disorder. In case this turns out inconclusive melatonin can be attributed for acting out dreams.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
Yes there are some anecdotal reports of sleep disorders but none of them proved till date. As stated by you that you had parasomnias in past (tried having sex) so it could be stated that the current episode was extension of same problem albeit in different manner.
I also feel that ordering polysomnography is indicated to delineate the true pathology of disorder. In case this turns out inconclusive melatonin can be attributed for acting out dreams.
I hope this helps you further.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I don't have a lot of money . what can I do to figure this out or solve this. my girl is afraid of me. she thinks I'm violent and she doesn't believe me that I don't remember what happened. I'll do anything to prove that it was some kind of episode. not only that I want help for it because I don't ever want to do it again.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
In my opinion without PSG and inperson psychiatrist opinion, it will not be possible whether there is parasomnias or otherwise. In case PSG is done it can delineate possibility of Parasomnia. However I must acknowledge that even PSG is not 100% accurate and you can get false positive or false negative result.
I understand there are financial implications of undergoing PSG but I do not think there is another way to prove that you are not aware of punching her face.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
In my opinion without PSG and inperson psychiatrist opinion, it will not be possible whether there is parasomnias or otherwise. In case PSG is done it can delineate possibility of Parasomnia. However I must acknowledge that even PSG is not 100% accurate and you can get false positive or false negative result.
I understand there are financial implications of undergoing PSG but I do not think there is another way to prove that you are not aware of punching her face.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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