After I was diagnosed Marh 2016 and I had chronic insomnia. When I was seen in the Parkinson’s Clinic and I inquired about sleep. I was told to try Melatonin. What I found out was there are different companies and some are 3mg. tablets and some that come in 5mg. tablets. So initially I was put on 3mg. and then 6mg. Then the next time went to get it and they had s different company 5mg. tablets. So I called the Clinic and was told ok for me to take 5mg. first yo see if that worked. I got 3-4 hours of sleep on this. I let them know and I was given the okay to take 10mg. So sometimes it works for about 5 hours. Other nights it doesn’t work at all. I have to use AutoPAP at night (similar to CPAP but I was told this is a newer type of machine.) Then while at this clinichaving my machine usage checked, there was an ARNP who found out I took Melatonin. She said since it is over the counter it does not go through the FDA and recommended to get the same kind each time and has the same disease. She said what is in one type Melatonin is different from another type/Manufactuor so that is important. We didn’t know that at first, but now we go to the same store so we can get the same kind. Checking with your Dr. who follows you for your Parkinson’s is paramount to make sure there are no contraindications for you to take, IF it is something you wonder if you could try. New Member, best wishes to you and there is so much to learn and each person may have a different symptom.I think we have all had questions. Welcome to the PD team member. Please remember to check with your Dr. before starting any medication.

My husband's tremors ONLY happen AFTER he is asleep.

Our Neurologist at Stanford insisted on only one brand of Melatonin for my husband.That is really important .

New Member,
Hopefully you are seeing a neurologist. Look for a local support group. Hope you have family that can help you. There is a lot of data on Parkinsons. I imagine you could get info from the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Fox has had PD for many years. He does have a website about PD. My mother got material on PD from a neurologist in Springfield, IL.

My mother has a lot of symptoms. It seems the symptoms vary with each individual. Her tremors were minimal in hand/arm plus the freezing in place before walking was alleviated with medication called carbidopa levidopa. Her memory is bad. Tho she is 89. PD does affect memory. Her balance is not good, has pain sometimes, uses a walker & rollator, dizziness, insomnia. Cannot do what she could in the past. She has other health issues too. She was diagnosed a few years ago with PD. Exercise, dance, drink a lot of water, do brain games, puzzles, activities. Write yourself notes, or in a journal, or record whatever you feel is necessary. PD is a progressive disease.

It's difficult to deal with I'm sure, as it is difficult for the caregiver.

I just started taking Melatonin 1mg at night I slept real good. I saw it on the news monday. I have not checked with doctor yet about taking this with my Carbidopa.