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Suggest The Ideal Dosage Of Melatonin Taken For Insomnia

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Posted on Mon, 23 May 2016
Question: Is it good to take melatonin every night?

Is it ok to take a melatonin supplement every night to help me sleep?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Some information:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Melatonin has been used for insomnia for up to 29 months (this is based on how long it was used in research) safely, and has been used in the blind for up to 6 years.

So it is ok to use it every night if it helps you.

However, if the reason you have difficulty falling or staying asleep is due to anxiety, such as anxiety during the day that carries over into the night, an antidepressant/antianxiety medication such as an SSRI medication may be helpful, for example Lexapro. This may help with ongoing anxiety that interferes with sleep. So if you think that applies to you, consider seeing your doctor or a psychiatrist.

Mindful breathing and relaxation exercises before bed can help too.

But if melatonin works well for your needs, then it is ok to continue it on an ongoing basis.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3133 Questions

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Suggest The Ideal Dosage Of Melatonin Taken For Insomnia

Brief Answer: Some information: Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, Melatonin has been used for insomnia for up to 29 months (this is based on how long it was used in research) safely, and has been used in the blind for up to 6 years. So it is ok to use it every night if it helps you. However, if the reason you have difficulty falling or staying asleep is due to anxiety, such as anxiety during the day that carries over into the night, an antidepressant/antianxiety medication such as an SSRI medication may be helpful, for example Lexapro. This may help with ongoing anxiety that interferes with sleep. So if you think that applies to you, consider seeing your doctor or a psychiatrist. Mindful breathing and relaxation exercises before bed can help too. But if melatonin works well for your needs, then it is ok to continue it on an ongoing basis. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.