Combining Melatonin and Restoril: Safe Practices for Better Sleep in California

The pace of life sped up, and exposure to artificial light increased. This often results in disordered sleep patterns. Sleep is essential for our overall health, and sleep deprivation can have serious negative consequences for both physical and mental health. So, in an attempt to sleep better, some people turn to melatonin and Restoril.

To fight sleep issues like jet lag or insomnia, people in California often turn to supplements and medications. Some of them, like melatonin, can be acquired over the counter, while others, such as Restoril, require a medical prescription. Mixing these two is becoming a growing trend, which can oftentimes be very dangerous. We Level Up California gives you more details on Restoril and melatonin and offers safe practices when using them.

Understanding melatonin and Restoril

Melatonin and Restoril have different mechanisms but the same effect, creating a dangerous, addictive effect. In worst-case scenarios, mixing them can lead to serious consequences and even death. Caution is required, and it is best to consult medical professionals who can offer advice on your specific situation. To do so effectively, they must consider your medical history, allergies, medications used, or mental disorders you are struggling with. 

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone that plays a role in our sleep cycle. Since it is created in response to darkness, it is at its maximum during the night. With aging, melatonin production decreases. People with sleep disorders frequently use melatonin, and this approach to fixing sleep issues has some support from research. 

The sleep studies have shown that melatonin can be helpful in a few situations:

• Circadian rhythm sleep disorder in the blind
• Delayed sleep phase
• Insomnia
• Jet lag
• Shift work disorder
• Sleep disorders in children
• Evening confusion and restlessness in people with Alzheimer´s disease

Melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. After repeated use, one is unlikely to become dependent on it or have a lower response. Still, it is advised to treat melatonin like any sleeping pill and consult with a medical professional about using it. 

What is Restoril?

Restoril, also known as Temazepam, belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Like melatonin, it´s used to treat sleep issues, but unlike melatonin, it can only be acquired with a prescription. It also treats jet lag, short-term shift work, or acute stress situations. Restoril is sometimes prescribed on an interim basis to address panic attacks or anxiety disorders. 

It is a very popular sleep medication. According to the last data published by the National Library of Medicine, over 2 million prescriptions for it are filled annually. 

As it belongs to the benzodiazepines group, Restoril affects the central nervous system (CNS). It functions as a depressant, slowing your CNS down and calming it. Restoril modulates certain chemicals in the brain that may be out of balance in those who suffer from sleep problems.

Although it helps many people, it may cause an addiction. The risk is higher if you have a substance use disorder.  

The risks of combining Restoril and melatonin

People sometimes mix Restoril and melatonin to heighten the effect of sleep treatments. This has potential side effects that should not be ignored. They both have sedative effects, so the common result is the additive effect. 

So, the question often asked is, can I take melatonin and Restoril together?

Using melatonin and Restoril together may increase side effects such as:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating 

Some people, especially the elderly, can also experience thinking and judgment impairment and problems with motor coordination.

Neither of these medications is to be used with alcohol. Melatonin and alcohol, together, can make you sleep very deeply, and you may even have trouble breathing properly. With restoril, the situation is even more dangerous, as its depressant effect on the CNS might be increased and cause serious respiratory depression. Coma and death can also occur. 

How can I take melatonin and Restoril together safely?

Knowing everything that can go wrong when mixing medications, it is best to consult a medical professional if you want to take melatonin and Restoril, either separately or together.

In general, if you are advised to begin taking any drug, you should reveal any medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbs that you are currently taking. Substance interactions can occur, with negative consequences for your health.

Always read the instructions and safety warnings about any remedy or medication you are using, and after consulting with a doctor, follow their instructions.

Some of the usual recommendations include starting with lower doses and monitoring the body’s response over time. For melatonin, it might be recommended to start by taking it only 2-3 times a week and gradually increase it if needed. When dealing with short-term sleeping issues, you would probably be using one 2mg slow-release tablet taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime and only for up to 1-4 weeks. However, if you have certain conditions that require long-term usage, your dosage will gradually increase to 2-3 tablets per day.

As Restoril is a prescription drug that impacts the CNS, concerns about usage should be taken even more seriously. You should never use it longer than prescribed or increase dosages on your own, as you are risking overdosing. As melatonin, it should be used before bedtime, but only if you are sure you´ll be able to have 7-8 hours of sleep. The dosages are 7.5–30 mg. For some patients, especially the elderly, the usage starts at a lower dosage, and it´s gradually increased until the right dosage is discovered.

Alternative sleep aids and their interactions with Restoril

There are some alternatives to melatonin and Restoril on the market. To name a few:

• Z-drugs: This is a group of sedatives exclusively used to treat mild insomnia. 
• OTC antihistamines: Although primarily allergy remedies, antihistamines can be used to ease sleeplessness once in a while
• Melatonin receptor antagonists: These melatonin agents have proved to be efficient in treating circadian rhythm sleep disorders and some types of insomnia
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants can create sleep issues, while others can alleviate them. 
• Orexin receptor antagonists: These recently approved substances promote sleep and inhibit wakefulness 

As with melatonin and Restoril, it´s important to keep in mind that these alternatives should not be mixed together or with Restoril, as their combined additive effects can have life-threatening consequences.

Resources and support in California

For those struggling with sleep disorders in California and looking for a reliable source of information on melatonin and Restoril, looking for professional help and advice is important for preventing the potential dangers of taking medications by yourself. At We Level Up California, we first need to understand your individual situation before offering you any advice or prescribing any medication.

Our Rehab in Lake Elsinore CA can provide you with a safe space and various services, from medical detox to inpatient rehabilitation, therapy programs, and coaching. All programs are designed with your recovery in mind, and our evidence-based and holistic approaches are sure to provide you with proper care. 

To support your treatments, you can rely on California Drug Rehab Insurance Aetna, our long-time partner. Aetna covers drug rehab services, services for alcohol rehab centers, counseling services (depending on the insurance plan), and can assist you in services aimed at aiding your mental health. Be sure to contact us to see if we work with your insurance provider.

In relation to sleep disorders and their related health issues, We Level Up California offers Restoril detox in California. When your efforts to fix sleep disorders go south and result in additional health issues, we are here to help you get back on the right track.

Combining melatonin and Restoril – key takeaways

When dealing with sleep issues, you might be reaching for supplements like melatonin or prescription medications like Restoril. Both Restoril and melatonin are very efficient in treating sleep disorders, but their use should not be taken lightly. Responsibility and caution should be practiced, especially if you are considering mixing them. 

Although safe to use, melatonin and Restoril can produce some side effects. It is especially important to consult with your physician if you have health issues, as people with certain illnesses or on certain medications are not allowed to use either melatonin or Restoril. Additionally, melatonin supplements that you can get without a prescription vary in the amount of melatonin they contain. Therefore, they can have different effects. If you wish to start taking melatonin or Restoril, consult professional medical staff, as the consequences can be fatal.

If you need more information or professional consulting, contact We Level Up California. We can provide support and guidance and ensure that your sleep problem is resolved safely.