Melatonin and PMR

I'm glad it's working for you, @mild835.

Most articles I have found say not to take Melatonin with autoimmune. Something happens during the night where inflammation is on the rise in our bodies and Melatonin makes it worse. (I am not an expert-so I could be saying this incorrectly). I too have been using it for the past 10 years but stopped it when I developed PMR in December. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071

From what I understand, melatonin boosts your immune system. If we have an auto-immune problem, we don't want our immune system boosted.

I was considering Melatonin until Teri (one of our moderators) suggested lemon balm tea/valerian. I found Valerian Tea (Nighty Night Extra by Traditional Medicinals), which works very well for the insomnia that often accompanies Prednisone. About 1-1/2 hrs before bedtime. My body seems to take longer to metabolize things. I bought mine at Walmart. Melatonin resets your circadian rythm (sleep wake cycle).

This is not related (although I do take 1-1/2 mg. of Melatonin at night -- half of a 3 mg. pill), but does anyone wake up in the morning WITHOUT pain and stiffness?? I do, and so wonder if PMR is really what I have. I also have GCA.

What do you consider "normal" background pain? Do you have a hard time getting out of bed?

I take prednisone with my supper about 6:30 (used to split the dose when I had a larger dose). Wake up without stiffness or pain. Some stiffness in the late evening, but gone in the morning.

Had to stop melatonin- too much morning pain and stiffness - stopped and back to “normal” back ground pain and stiffness. To help with sleep a now drink a cup of camomile tea around 9pm and take a CBD gummy at bed time. This combination seems to help with sleep.

Hi @valb68 I have PMR and GCA. Morning pain and stiffness is one of the key symptoms of PMR "The musculoskeletal hallmark of PMR is proximal, severe, and symmetrical morning and even day long stiffness, soreness and pain in the shoulder, neck and pelvic girdle. Fifty percent of patients with GCA share this characteristic proximal pain syndrome." (Reference - Cecil and Goldman's Textbook of Medicine).
If you do not have pain, are you taking prednisone? On the right dosage, the stiffness and other symptoms would lessen or disappear. By the way PMR and GCA are autoimmune diseases and melatonin comes with a warning not to take it if you have an autoimmune disorder.

Thank you, Teri, for the information. I just recently became aware of the melatonin problem, but thanks for mentioning it. I am taking 8 mg. of prednisone at the moment. Still wonder if I have PMR or another ailment. My pain occurs when I walk or try to use my arms.

Thanks again!