something to report on melatonin

I haven't given Joe any Melatonin for a long time now.  Not for any particular reason but I just didn't start up after his last TX.  During his last TX, I gave him a hefty 10 mg. dose , even tried a little more than that a few times, in an attempt to keep his low platelets from becoming a problem .  I don't know for sure that it worked but I can say his last labs before stopping TX had his platelets a bit higher than they had been in years.  Cause and effects can be questioned but it did seem to help him.  It causes grogginess though but made little difference in Joe because he was too sick to do much but sleep anyway, most of the time.
All that aside, last night I tried him on some Melatonin I bought at Swanson Vitamins called "Dual release Melatonin 3 mg."  I had never used  a time released formula on him even when he was taking normal doses before TX but I have a vague memory that HR had commented on the time released being the better one to try.  If I am misquoting I am sorry but I think it was HR that said it.  Well, Joe said he could really tell a difference in how rested he felt this morning which is a very good thing because he is taking finals today for a seminary class he's been attending.  I will always buy the time release formula now.  It was not expensive either.
I just thought this could help some of you that are struggling with not feeling rested after sleep.  I can not say it is good to take on TX though.  Our Dr. didn't think it would cause any problem but one never knows for sure.  To be safe, you might wait to try it after TX.  With Joe starting TX with such low platelets, it was a calculated risk .
Blessings,
Ev

[dointime]

Evangelin you come up with such good info.  I find melatonin very useful for sleeping although I get too groggy if I use it 2 nights in a row.  I just take 1mg at night before bed.  I must try a time release formula.  
Thanks for posting,
dointime

[evangelin]

I can't take much credit because none of my ideas are original.   While others were enjoying normal hobbies, I have spent the last 7 years searching for the best available advice.  My job has been to search for the smartest people and do the best I can to carry out their advice.
I did take biology in the 9th grade (ha- ha!)  If I had known then what I would need that science for, I would have payed more attention.  I was taking more important classes like Sewing 1 and 2.  I haven't sewed in eons but I sure could use some of that science now. :>)
Ev

[GSDgirl]

Melatonin worked really really well for one of my dogs that was afraid of fireworks.  I always had it for him on the 4th of July and New Years.  I also have done tons of research but mostly for my dogs but you would be surprised how much of it crosses over to people.

Denise