Maybe the simplest solution – ever.

About a week or so ago, I had a complete meltdown. I had not been getting any sleep – something very familiar for those with fibromyalgia. The restless leg syndrome was becoming unbearable, and the insomnia was torture. I was lucky if I was getting a solid four hour stretch of sleep each night. Finally, I sat with my daughter, in tears, and said something had to change. I had no idea what to do. She tossed out the idea of melatonin. Desperate for any relief, short of full-on narcotics, which I will not take, I looked into it. 

Here’s what the Mayo Clinic says about melatonin:

Melatonin is a neurohormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland, from the amino acid tryptophan. The synthesis and release of melatonin are stimulated by darkness and suppressed by light, suggesting the involvement of melatonin in circadian rhythm and regulation of diverse body functions. Levels of melatonin in the blood are highest prior to bedtime. Synthetic melatonin supplements have been used for a variety of medical conditions, most notably for disorders related to sleep.

For $3.99 for a bottle of 100 3mg tablets (that also combine vitamin B6), this is the best remedy ever – for me. I tried the Gabapentin prescribed by my doctor for the restless leg syndrome and it helped, but only mildly, and the side effect of edema-swollen feet and legs was not one I was willing to accept. It also did nothing to help the fibromyalgia pain and insomnia.

So, I’ve been trying this melatonin, along with some vitamin B1 and my regular vitamin D, for nearly a week now. I take 3mg at night, about an hour before bed. Last night, I slept from 11 to 7:30 and I do not remember waking up or getting up once. AMAZING. Friggin’ amazing. I also have not experienced any restless leg syndrome for the last few days – usually a nightly occurrence – and my fibro pain has been mild. Although the mild pain I cannot necessarily attribute to melatonin, because it goes through periods of semi-remission anyway.

Time will tell if this is a long term solution to the insomnia and sleep deprivation, but I’m feeling much more rested each morning. Combined with the dietary changes I’m making in my life, I hope to start feeling better soon. The fibro may never go away, but hopefully this will make life a bit more manageable.