Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

Synergistic Effects of Ambien and Melatonin

Sufferers of insomnia already know how much of a savior Ambien is. You also know how the slow release Ambien CR can keep you sleeping throughout the night. However, sometimes even Ambien can't defeat your anxiety by itself.

Many people choose to up their dosage at this point, but high dosages are not recommended by many physicians. So what can you do instead? Instead of wrestling with your natural sleep cycle, you can gently coax it into working for you by developing a regimen using Ambien, environmental control, and a Melatonin supplement

It's easy enough for someone to tell you, "Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every day." They don't know the crippling anxiety that you feel. The fact is, it is simply not chemically possible for some people to fall asleep when they want or wake up when they need to. At that point, how can you not nap during the day? You're exhausted!

Fortunately, it is possible to take a number of steps that will give you the best chance to develop normal, healthy sleep habits. Though intended for short use, Ambien can be the catalyst for natural restful sleep for the rest of your life. The key to all of this is understanding how the human sleep cycle works.

All human and non-human animals have similar circadian rhythms-the internal 24-hour clock that regulates biological processes. This is the system you must understand in order to master your sleep cycle.

The first step to using the body's natural rhythms is controlling your environment. Because light exposure and your core body temperature are two of the major parts of your circadian rhythms, we'll need to go in depth on how you should regulate these in order to promote sleep.

The second step is to control Melatonin-the other major part of your circadian rhythms. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body to begin the sleep cycle every night. It lets your brain know that it is time to shut down and rest.

Regulating your Melatonin release, your exposure to light, as well as your temperature will result in a more regular sleep cycle. For insomniacs, using a prescription sleep-aid is likely a must, and Ambien is the best available. Not only will using this method help you to get the most of your Ambien while you can, it will develop a healthy habit for your entire life.

Step 1: Controlling the Environment

  • Dim the lights or turn them off completely about two hours before you want to fall asleep.
  • Make sure not to eat anything for a few hours before bed.
  • Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature.

Step 2: Melatonin Supplements

  • Find a Melatonin supplement at your local health food store, pharmacy, GNA, or even online.
  • Begin with the lowest dosage, but increase from 1 to 5 until it is effective.
  • Take your Melatonin around two hours before bedtime with a glass of water.

Step 3: Ambien

  • Take your Ambien or Ambien CR-which you can purchase for less in an online store-just before you are going to bed.
  • Make sure the room is pitch-black for sleeping!

Consult your physician before starting or changing your Ambien regime or taking Melatonin