[MarkMunday]

I have been looking for something to help me deal with insomnia. I was determined to keep away from the commonly used drugs as they tend to be very addictive. And, while surfing the net, I came accross a good natural alternative.

5-HTP (5-hydroxyltryptophan) is a serotonin precurser. Using it increases seratonin levels, which increases melatonin production, which regulates sleep cycles. It works really well for me. I have slept well for the last few nights - which I haven't been able to do for years.

According to the literature, it is also good for dealing with depression and controlling carbohydrate cravings (for T2s) - 2 common problems with diabetes.

I am interested to hear about peoples opinions and experiences with 5HTP. And for the uninitiated, here is some info :

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshel...25,747,00.html

Cheers,

Mark

[Cyborg]

I've never tried it, sorry.

Welcome back! We've missed you around here.

[notme]

Wow...... you have been reading my mind. I suffer BADLY with insomnia. I have been using melatonin, but lately that isn't working either. I will look into this product. I have never heard of it before.

[morrisma]

Don't have this problem but my sweetie does sometimes. She often gets relief from a hard evening workout at the gym but she's never tried a chemical aid. I'd be interested in other's experiences.
Mike

[belyro]

Just wanted to clarify that the initial message here was written in 2005 by someone who is now banned.....so there's probably not much point in answering his question.

That said....if it's relevant to people here now, why not re-open it. I know my mom takes (or took?) 5-HTP and had some really great things to say about it. I don't know details, though.

[susique333]

Hes banned? Rats, cause its a good Q. My 18 yr old daughter took 5_htp for 4 years to combat mood swings and insomnia. Once she hit 18 her Dr. switched her to Lexapro (10mg) for the mood and melatonin for the sleeping issues. I usually sleep very well but on occasion Ive used melatonin (I cracked a 1 mg tablet into 4ths) and good gracious does it work! I just asked her which helped her sleep better and she said both worked about the same for sleeping although the Lexapro helps more with anxiety control.

[princesslinda]

I sometimes have difficulty sleeping and have tried melatonin in the past. Recently, my doc gave me a sample of Rozeram...it cut it in half (though its a tiny pill) and it worked wonderfully with no "hangover" feelings the next morning. Its supposed to have little risk of dependency.

[duck]

I tried 5-HTP after Mark initially asked this, and it gave me the worst hiccups ever! And I am serious!

[JasonJayhawk]

What ever happened to MarkMunday? I recall him from a long, long time ago--I remember him posting about how his daughter became a T1 and something about a suicide attempt with her. I hope all is well with his family.

Anyhow, I've never heard of 5-HTP. Is it available OTC?

Regarding sleep, you know how they say "trypophan makes a person sleepy" such as after eating a turkey dinner? Turns out that turkey doesn't have that much trypophan in it after all.

edit: looks like this thread was "bumped" by a spammer. do'h.

[BlueSky]

Originally Posted by JasonJayhawk

What ever happened to MarkMunday? .... I hope all is well with his family....

Thanks for your concern. We have had a bit of bumpy ride over the last few years but, we are doing OK .....