I am so happy for you
Bobby

As you might recall, we have an adopted family member with sleep issues. She takes Seroquel for sleep and it works very well. Once in a great while, she still can't sleep and when this happens, she takens 3 mgs. of Melatonin with her medication and does better.

For me...well I posted on the vitamin/supplement thread about this. I don't have many issues with insomnia, but sometimes it happens...particularly when I'm under stress. No one can really afford to go too many nights without good rest.

I take a small dosage of L-Troptophan and this puts me to sleep...however this stuff is a little controversial and not everyone can take it (so the doc would have to give an okay).

I take it with calcium and magnesium. I also take B vitamins and think they are WONDERFUL. (I read all of the stuff posted on the vitamin/supplement board w/ reference to the B vitamins and encourage my friends to try them. I am a fan! LOL!)

Other things I have found helpful...magnesium bath salts and relaxation tapes.

Bizi...I just saw that you slept well last night! Congrats!
Sleep is so important, if you continue to have major problems,
I would talk with the doctor about possible medication (perhaps a small dosage) if it is really bad, but do not hesitate to supplement with natural products or methods. For example, I do find the relaxation tapes I have around helpful and every little bit makes the difference!

Be well. :)

when you say b vitamins which ones specifically?
thanks
bizi

I take a B50 tablet and extra B12. I take these things in the morning at the moment. However, I think Mrs. D recommends that at least some of the Bs be taken at night if sleep is a concern. I do always take the cal/mag at night.

What is a B50 tablet?

I take 200mg of slow magnesium at night along with 500mg of calcium.
my multi vitamin has many b vits in it as well as 18mcg of b12.

what dose of b12 and kind do you recommend?
thanks
bizi

I sent you a p.m.
Generally, it is an across the board B tablet...50 mgs for most of the Bs. Some might have 50 mcg. It seems to be a moderate dosage.

I copied some info. from one the products at iherb:

"Vitamin Supplement : Supports Energy Production
B-vitamins are essential components of numerous key enzyme systems, without which the body cannot function. Each B-vitamin fills a different complementary need, which is why they should most often be taken together. B-vitamins act as coenzymes to catalyze numerous biochemical reactions."

I take a high dosage of B12. Everyone is different. I understand that folks over 50 or those with absorption issues, almost always can use additional B12. The Methl. (abbreviated form of the word) form is best. You can get this at iherb or at most health food stores.

I'm not sure about what dosage would be appropriate or whether to take it during the day or evening.

I take all my B's in the morning, but understand that is not necessarily ideal. If you can find info. at the vitamin/supplement thread and iherb...that would be a good start.

This is good news.
May you sleep well every night.
Mari

18mcg of B12 is a very small amount to take orally.
IF you have intact intrinsic factor, and normal absorption,
it may be just an RDA amount for you.

If on the other hand you are NOT absorbing properly, then 18mcg is non-therapeutic in amount. The only way to learn this is by getting a blood test.

On page 1 of this thread is a study I found showing that B12 is the cofactor in converting serotonin to melatonin in the brain.

Methylcobalamin is the activated form of B12 and is available OTC as a stand alone supplement. Doses for it begin at 1000mcg (1mg). Typically only about 10mcg is absorbed from this by passive diffusion (if active factors are not working).
It is not commonly in stores, but easily available online by large suppliers. iherb.com has several brands at large discounts. I think B12 is best taken at night. (that is how I take mine)...and make sure it is on an empty stomach, because it is not well absorbed in the presence of food.
Many of us on the boards use the Jarrow brand successfully.

Other B's found in typical complex mixtures often are stimulating and for this reason work best if taken in the morning. If B50 complex over stimulates you, take it every other day or every 3rd day.
B50's have 50mg of most of the Bs found in them except for folic acid and B12
There are B100's and B150's as well. (I don't recommend those high daily doses for most people). I have had experience with some coaches in athletics who have their athletes take those high amounts. But I don't think they are necessary for most people.

Our needs for Bcomplex change with age. And some biochemists doing research on this feel that there is alot of genetic variance in how people manage their metabolisms within the B family. Dr. Bruce Ames is one..you can Google him.

thank you mrsd.
I remeber that you had a thread sorry for you to have to repeat yourself.
I did not know that the b50 is stimulating...slept about 4 hours last night...so that is better than none...my sleep is inconsistant.
I have treid to follow a routine this week and have taken a shower 4 days in a row...a record for me.
Before my hot shower: took my temp before 99.0 and afterward 100.5...so I wonder if I needed to have it that hot?
should go research that.
I have been drinking some milk before bed, if I take the b12 I can't do that anymore?
bizi

I saw...
 

Dr. Daniel Amen MD on TV PBS pledge today. He has a new book out called Change your Brain, Change your Life.

He listed all the things that can reduce blood flow to the brain and change it... one is poor sleep!

I have a thread on Social Chat...take a look:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread54181.html

I am buying the book... this presentation was just compelling!