I have been taking 6mg of melatonin at bedtime for two months and am finding that I'm waking up 3 or 4 nights out of the week in the middle of the night and have a difficult time falling back to sleep. I usually take it around 10PM give or take a few minutes and have no trouble getting to sleep. I am taking the regular tablets, not the extended release. Is it worth looking into the extended release or can I take 1 3mg tablet at bedtime and the other when I wake up at 3AM? I'm usually up and out of bed around 6:15 each morning and do not want to be groggy. I appreciate any suggestions! Thanks
How long does Melatonin stay in your system?
Question posted by cm0024 on 9 Feb 2011
Last updated on 10 February 2011 by suzanne66
Answers
The plasma half-life of Melatonin is short, around 20 to 50 minutes. This means that there is probably no advantage of taking a higher dose before bed. You may be better off looking at taking the long acting tablet instead - but then you do run the risk of waking up being groggy.
Trial and error is often the best way to find out what works best for you.
Related topics
insomnia, sleep disorders, melatonin, sleep
Further information
- Melatonin uses and safety info
- Melatonin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Melatonin (detailed)
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