Can a person with obstructive sleep apnea take melatonin?

Similar questions: person obstructive sleep apnea melatonin.

Melatonin levels are different in sleep apena patients ... The clinical literature indicates that, "Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome have an abnormal melatonin secretion pattern (source). ", so you will want to check with your doctor to see if melatonin is appropriate, or would even be helpful for your situation. Age and gender play a role in how helpful melatonin might be too, in addition to sleep apnea.

Melatonin is not risk free simply because it is available over the counter, and you should consider it with the caution you would evaluate any potential new medication. There can be side effects, including a "hangover" effect, and long term effects and many medication interactions have not been sufficiently studied to determine safety. The clinical evidence for the use of melatonin in treating various disorders varies.

You don't say if your apnea is being treated, but if not, that's obviously the first step to take with regard to fixing daytime sleepiness, poor sleep quality and other issues related to sleep apnea. If you have trouble with insomnia, your doctor can help determine what will work best to help you get to sleep or stay asleep, whatever the problem may be. It may be that your CPAP machine, if you are using one, needs to be adjusted, as this isn't uncommon over time, particularly if you have lost or gained weight.

On a personal note, I have 4 family members with sleep apnea, all of whom use a CPAP; none of them have ever benefited from using melatonin to help them sleep. That is, of course, just a personal anecdote, not clinical evidence. Good luck -- "simple" insomnia can be one of the most frustrating conditions out there.

Sources: former EMT, professional medical librarian, PubMed, MedlinePlus .

It is important to know if the person's apnea is treated and why they desire to take melatonin in the first place... Obstructive sleep apnea results in a person stopping breathing multiple times throughout the night (or any time they are sleeping). Each time the person stops breathing, they wake up out of deeper, more restful sleep in order to clear their airway to breathe again and this is what makes them more tired even if they sleep for longer periods than the average person. Taking sleeping aids, including melatonin, don't treat the underlying cause and therefore won't help the person get better rest.

The continued interuption in breathing leads to lowering of the oxygen level of the blood. If the sleeping aid prevents the person from waking out of the deeper sleep to allow for clearing of the airway, the level of oxygen in the blood will decrease further and that very effectively takes away any benefit of deep sleep. The only way that it would be safe to take a sleep aid, like melatonin, would be if the person's sleep apnea was being treated adequately.

If a person with sleep apnea that is being treated begins to feel consistently more tired than usual, re-testing is appropriate to see if an adjustment in treatment needs to be made before adding medications. Regardless, discuss with the physician treating your sleep apnea the reason for taking melatonin before you start. He or she may have a better alternative or have input as to the appropriate dose for you.

Sources: physician assistant .

Consult Dr Always consult a Dr. ALWAYS. I have sleep apnea and my Dr. does not mind if I take melatonin as long as I take it according to the directions. But he key is I asked my Dr. before taking anything new.My medical history and my medications are not yours.

Your Dr. may not reccomend the same thing. Safe is better than sorry..

Not as a cure-all I am hoping that you are doing more than just this--I’m sure that you are aware of the health risks associated with sleep apnea. Melatonin alone is not going to do the trick--once asleep, the apnea will continue and will then disrupt sleep. Also--I heard a story on NPR in the last 2 weeks that the body gets used to the melatonin, so it’s beneficial effects are short-lived.So even if helps at first, it likely won't help for long.

Please go to sleep center if you haven’t already done so! Here's what "familydoctor.org" says: Melatonin What is melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone made by a part of the brain called the pineal (say: "pin-ee-all") gland.

Melatonin may help our bodies know when it's time to go to sleep and when it's time to wake up. Melatonin supplements (in pill form) can also be taken. There are two types of melatonin that may be used in these pills: natural and synthetic (man-made).

Natural melatonin is made from the pineal gland of animals. This form could be contaminated with a virus and is not recommended. The synthetic form of melatonin does not have this risk.

If you are not sure if your melatonin is natural or synthetic, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. How is melatonin used? Melatonin can be used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep).

It can also be taken to prevent jet lag. Beyond that, there is little scientific evidence that melatonin has a role in promoting health or treating disease. Good luck (and sweet dreams)!

Sources: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/258. Html .

Melatonin is naturally made in your body. Does your body need it? I can't take it.

I overmethylate. I make too much... being high in copper. When I used it I crashed into walls when I went to the bathroom.

I don't think anything too bad could happen from trying it. Hair tests show if you are high in copper or zinc the best.

" "serching for sleep apnea recliners" "I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea which I find hard to believe.. I never nap.. Really do not get tired. " "Is it possible for certain medications to cause a sleep apnea diagnosis? Such as narcotics and benzodiazepines?

" "Has anyone cured their sleep apnea with the Pillar Procedure?

I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea which I find hard to believe.. I never nap.. Really do not get tired.

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