Costco is offering an in-store instant rebate on Schiff’s Melatonin Ultra 300 tablet product (Costco item 570941). Your price is $4.49 after a $2 instant rebate off the regular $6.49 price. This offer expires on May 20, 2012.
This sale price is less than half the typical price on Amazon and Costco’s regular on-line price. There are some helpful reviews on the Amazon and Costco web sites if you’re trying to decide if the product might be helpful to you.
Melatonin is very useful for many people who have trouble falling asleep or are travelling across time zones and need to resychronize their biological “sleep clocks” to the changed time. The product features 3 mg of melatonin which is a fairly typical dosage that helps you get to sleep. Schiff’s product also adds several other sleep-enhancing ingredients including 25 mg of L-Theanine which helps lessen anxiety, 25 mg of GABA which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm down the brain, 8.5 mg of a proprietary blend of valerian and chamomile which are herbs with a long track record of help lessen anxiety and improve sleep, 5 mg of vitamin B6 which helps the body make its own GABA and melatonin, and 52 mg of calcium.
Melatonin is generally regarded as safe even at dosages in excess of 10 mg per night, so if you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night you may try taking two tablets before bedtime or taking a second dose in the middle of the night. However, some older people may find the 3 mg dose too strong and they may feel groggy the next day. They may try cutting the tablets in half to see if that reduces morning grogginess.
If you’re struggling with sleep problems from stress and anxiety, you may also benefit from reading these articles:
Cortisol Imbalances May Cause Weight Gain, Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia
L-Theanine for Anxiety, Insomnia, and Depression
Reducing Sedative and Addictive Side Effects of Anti-Anxiety Drugs Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, etc.) with L-Theanine, Pregnenolone, and DHEA
