Sleeping pills...should I worry about weight gain/slowed metabolism?

chrysalis2015

Hi everyone...

So without too much detail I've had a relapse with my PTSD and had a few nights of massive nightmares. After the original trauma I binge drank to handle things, took a ton of prescriptions, etc. I don't want that again. This time I want something healthier so I went and got some sleeping "supplement" that's basically just melatonin and a few other herbs. I slept well last night, no nightmares, but I'm worried I'll stall my weight loss. Yes, I realize in the scheme of things that's not as important, BUT getting into shape and feeling healthier is such an important part of having improved my mood, self-esteem, etc.

So...any of you that take sleep aides/pills, have you had any issues? TIA.

yarwell

Good sleep is likely to help weight loss (reduced stress) rather than hinder it.

vespiquenn

I will be honest and say that I have a slight psychological addiction forming with Tylenol PM. I have used it for years, but recently my usage is becoming regular due to depression, something I'm not happy with because I'm reaching a point of not being able to sleep without it. The same has happened for me even with "healthy supplements," including melatonin. So my first bit of advice is that seeing professional, if you aren't already, may nip the PTSD in the bud before it progresses.

With that being said, a sleeping aid will not slow down your metabolism, but you may encounter a change in appetite. I find that the nights I take Tylenol PM, my appetite grows and is hard to control. I find that any "binge" has occurred after taking it.

No matter what, at least try to keep your exercise regime going. As you said, it's beneficial in controlling some of those negative emotions, which is always better than nothing.

Yi5hedr3

I use Theonine, Melatonin, and GABA. Works fairly well - all natural to the body.

chrysalis2015

vespiquenn wrote: »

I will be honest and say that I have a slight psychological addiction forming with Tylenol PM. I have used it for years, but recently my usage is becoming regular due to depression, something I'm not happy with because I'm reaching a point of not being able to sleep without it. The same has happened for me even with "healthy supplements," including melatonin. So my first bit of advice is that seeing professional, if you aren't already, may nip the PTSD in the bud before it progresses.

With that being said, a sleeping aid will not slow down your metabolism, but you may encounter a change in appetite. I find that the nights I take Tylenol PM, my appetite grows and is hard to control. I find that any "binge" has occurred after taking it.

No matter what, at least try to keep your exercise regime going. As you said, it's beneficial in controlling some of those negative emotions, which is always better than nothing.

I am actually seeing a therapist...part of what triggered all this was having to tell someone who had a right to know what happened to me...and it triggered literally everything -- every memory I'd suppressed/put a lid on for years flooded back at the same time. So the therapist knows my aversion to prescriptions/how much alcohol I used last time, and told me some other ways to cope, including natural supplements, coping mechanisms, etc. So I have her blessings on this...but just to keep an eye on things so that if I wasn't able to handle the nightmares, flashbacks, etc, to then trial some prescriptions. I'm happy I finally slept, though.

An interesting side effect this morning is that I'm having to force myself to eat a protein bar...just not hungry. But I was just worried about "slowing down" my body...

vespiquenn

chrysalis2015 wrote: »

vespiquenn wrote: »

I will be honest and say that I have a slight psychological addiction forming with Tylenol PM. I have used it for years, but recently my usage is becoming regular due to depression, something I'm not happy with because I'm reaching a point of not being able to sleep without it. The same has happened for me even with "healthy supplements," including melatonin. So my first bit of advice is that seeing professional, if you aren't already, may nip the PTSD in the bud before it progresses.

With that being said, a sleeping aid will not slow down your metabolism, but you may encounter a change in appetite. I find that the nights I take Tylenol PM, my appetite grows and is hard to control. I find that any "binge" has occurred after taking it.

No matter what, at least try to keep your exercise regime going. As you said, it's beneficial in controlling some of those negative emotions, which is always better than nothing.

I am actually seeing a therapist...part of what triggered all this was having to tell someone who had a right to know what happened to me...and it triggered literally everything -- every memory I'd suppressed/put a lid on for years flooded back at the same time. So the therapist knows my aversion to prescriptions/how much alcohol I used last time, and told me some other ways to cope, including natural supplements, coping mechanisms, etc. So I have her blessings on this...but just to keep an eye on things so that if I wasn't able to handle the nightmares, flashbacks, etc, to then trial some prescriptions. I'm happy I finally slept, though.

An interesting side effect this morning is that I'm having to force myself to eat a protein bar...just not hungry. But I was just worried about "slowing down" my body...

I'm am glad you are getting help, and I do hope the effects of the PTSD are short lasting.

As long as you are supervising the sleeping aid and using it as little as you can, you won't have any slowdown. Medication does not affect your metabolism unless specially intended for that purpose such as thyroid medication. What does affect is your appetite, so if you experience a lack of appetite, make sure you're eating high calorie foods to meet your daily goal.

Good luck!

VintageFeline

I have just recently weaned myself off zopiclone. So was taking for the vast majority of the time I was losing weight and I noticed no difference. The metabolic effect of some medications I think is real but minimal. More likely to affect the appetite, for better or worse and is a well known side effect of psychoactive medications (as was the case for me and helped along my gaining even more weight on my already overweight body).

Just be careful with the melatonin too and disclose that you are taking it to your therapist. You can't buy it over the counter here due to potential sided effects and interactions with other medications and illnesses.

markrgeary1

My 50+ yo wife lost 47 pounds in 8 months while taking Trazadone, didn't seem to impact her loss. Nothing crazy just eating the calories the app said to. You will be OK.