Originally posted 04/25/2009:

As any tinnitus sufferer knows, sleep is one of the most challenging aspects of dealing with tinnitus.  Fortunately, there is a lot of help with sleep problems.  Whether it be medications, sound masking, relaxation methods, or supplements, there are no shortage of helpful options. 

One nutritional supplement that many tinnitus patients have tried is melatonin.  This compound is a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate sleep/wake cycles.  People that suffer from jet lag have found melatonin to be helpful.  Research is looking into its effects on tinnitus patients.  One good example is a study published in 2006 entitled “The Effects of Melatonin on Tinnitus and Sleep” by Jay F. Piccirillo, MD et.al.  (February 2006, edition of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery).  This study showed help with sleep and tinnitus relief.

I have used melatonin 3 mg at times over the past two years and found is useful for sleep problems.  There may have been some positive impact on my tinnitus also.  For now, my sleep problems are mostly under control (see previous post) and I like to limit the number of chemicals I take, so I am not using melatonin.

What have been your experiences using melatonin?