Here’s a partial list of the “treatments” I’ve tried so far:
Light Therapy:
Bright light therapy (10,000 lux light box, Feel Bright Light visor, Golite Blue Energy Light, etc.) in the morning.
Light restriction (a.k.a. darkness therapy) via blue-light blocking glasses, black out curtains, f.lux on various screens. Using dim red-filtered light to avoid polychromatic and blue light in the evening.
“Natural” Remedies:
Valerian, passionflower extract, milky oats, catnip, skull cap, hops, teas, strong chamomile tea, natural GABA supplements, Epsom salt baths, Chinese herbs and Rhodiola Rosea.
Seriphos for cortisol control – this supplement counters cortisol in the evening that possibly keeps DSPDers awake in the evening.
I am including melatonin in this “natural” category as it’s a hormone. I’ve taken it orally - as capsules, tablets, liquid and sublingually. Have also taken via transdermal patches and lotion, tart cherry juice and ground up pumpkin seeds. I’ve tried every form and dosage imaginable from 5 mgs to .3 (300 mcgs). I’ve also tried precursors to melatonin like L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP.
A later post will be dedicated to my experiences with melatonin. For me, melatonin advances my sleep cycle but causes uncomfortable side effects I cannot tolerate. If you have been diagnosed with DSPD, I would try melatonin as it is effective for some sufferers.
Prescription Drugs:
- Hypnotics such as Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta
- Anti-anxiety sedatives such as Halcion, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Oxezepam
- SSRIs/mood stabilizers such as Trazodone, Amitriptyline, Remeron
- Melatonin agonists such as Rozerem, Valdoxan
Over-The-Counter Drugs:
Diphenhydramine in all of its forms: Benadryl, pain reducing PM meds, Sominex, Nyquil as well as Doxylamine, a first-generation antihistamine
Etc.
Exercise to tire me out, aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture, meditation, relaxation techniques, mood music, support group, diet changes/consumption patterns.
Results:
I've tried mixing and matching these "treatments" in almost endless combinations. The result has been maybe six hours of sleep, looking tired and generally unrested (and being told so) and feeling groggy and generally giving the impression of what a "normal" person is like when you wake them up at 4 am.
