Several months ago I was told about Melatonin and how it could help one go to sleep quickly. I was having trouble doing so and tried it. A very small dosage. It really helped, though not for all night. I read nothing about the risks of taking it every night so began doing so. My days became listless and sleep-filled. "Just a part of old age", I thought.Last week I was looking for a new bottle since mine was exhausted. There was a 10mg Melatonin, promising continuous relief. That would mean an entire night's sleep. Sounded great! A few nights ago (really very early in the morning) I felt my son, Lee, shaking me in the bed. (He lives in Fort Worth) He was saying, "Dad, I need some money". As a good father would do I quickly got up from the bed and headed up the hall to find my billfold. Where was Lee? What would he be doing here at 3:00 AM asking for money? He has never done anything like that.
There I stood in the hall realizing something strange had happened to me for the first time. Lee wasn't there! I went back to bed and finally slept a little before daylight. I told Ann about it the next morning. We didn't have an answer..
Just a couple of days ago I was napping on the couch. Suddenly the house caught on fire. I began to call for Ann, and for help. She was there shaking me and telling me to wake up. I couldn't speak and warn her no matter how hard I tried. Finally, I was awakened and realized I had been involved in a nightmare. Ann thought I was having a seizure. Here was two such incidents in days. What is happening? I started thinking about my medicines and supplements. The only NEW one was this 10mg Melatonin to help me sleep.
I began researching some side-effects on internet. They were "day-time sleepiness, confusion, sleep-walking, and nightmares". I found this supplement is banned in Germany, Switzerland, and some other countries without a prescription. I also discovered. It is only to be used a couple of times a week, if it all. I was using it daily and had increased my dosage to 10mg. I was asking for trouble and getting it.
The new supplement went in a waste can. I do not plan to get the milder dose. No more of that for me. Today I drove to a city beyond Austin and then back home, so Dr. Edwards could pick up a van for his wife suffering from ALS. I didn't get sleepy at all and have had my old energy back. I hope it stays.
This little story goes out as a warning. No one warned me and the stuff was turning me into a zombie. If you are having similar problems check those supplements and medications. There is a lot of kick in some of those innocent-looking bottles.
