[Peter B]

I'd been taking Melatonin 3mg sub-lingual for a few weeks to see if it helped with my poor sleep, and found that it didn't make any difference.
Changed to 10mg capsules a week ago, and I think I'm sleeping a bit better. Still wake a lot but soon doze off again. On two occasions I've still been unable to sleep, so have taken a second Melatonin.
The interesting thing is that on both of the following days, I didn't have my usual waking sore neck/ headache, and was able to go until nearly 1pm before needing to medicate.
This is most unusual as I generally have to take something either first thing or mid morning, and even then can't function.
On my two good mornings I've able to do a few things that were not possible with my usual sore head.
I'll do a trial now to see if in fact the Melatonin is having this positive effect.
Have read a bit about it and there are studies which have indicated it can help with migraines and cluster headaches.
Fingers crossed!

[mrsD]

I attended a headache/pain seminar 2 yrs ago, and Melatonin was suggested for cluster headache. (the doctors there said cluster headaches are seasonal and follow changes in circadian rhythms.)

But also I just found this paper, explaining that melatonin may help block NMDA receptors:
http://www.ionchannels.org/showabstr...ium+NMDA+block

This receptor is responsible for many pain signals.

[Peter B]

Thanks mrsD.
I've developed a headache trying to read it!
Bit too technical for my little brain, but i get the point.
I get no sleep benefit, so maybe some headache relief instead.

[BethD.]

Originally Posted by Peter B

I'd been taking Melatonin 3mg sub-lingual for a few weeks to see if it helped with my poor sleep, and found that it didn't make any difference.
Changed to 10mg capsules a week ago, and I think I'm sleeping a bit better. Still wake a lot but soon doze off again. On two occasions I've still been unable to sleep, so have taken a second Melatonin.
The interesting thing is that on both of the following days, I didn't have my usual waking sore neck/ headache, and was able to go until nearly 1pm before needing to medicate.
This is most unusual as I generally have to take something either first thing or mid morning, and even then can't function.
On my two good mornings I've able to do a few things that were not possible with my usual sore head.
I'll do a trial now to see if in fact the Melatonin is having this positive effect.
Have read a bit about it and there are studies which have indicated it can help with migraines and cluster headaches.
Fingers crossed!

Hi Peter. I'm Beth, new to this forum, with ON headaches. Is that what you have? I am glad to hear that Melatonin may be helping...what other OTC remedies have you tried? I am on strong meds now...but hate the side effects. I hope the melatonin helps!!!

[Peter B]

Hi Beth, not sure what ON headaches are.
Melatonin is vary hard to assess for effectiveness, as so many other variables come into play.
Apparently you need to wait until you are sleepy before taking it.
I still think I feel better the next day though, if I've taken it.
My headaches can be from nerve irritation, principally Occipital neuralgia, or muscle soreness from the one that goes down the neck and into the shoulder. Muscle relaxants are good for this, plus a pain med.
I also take Super Curcumin, B12, multi vits, calcium, SAMe, fish oil.
Something in there must help!!!