I've started (as of last Thursday, I think) taking melatonin. I originally took 1mg a night. I did not notice any effect from this. For the past few nights I've taken 2mg. I'd expected that this would cause me to feel tired half an hour after taking it, but this doesn't seem to be the case. But I have been going to bed anyway about half an hour after taking it, then reading for a bit, and then successfully sleeping for about eight hours. (Previously I would often lie awake for what-felt-like ages; sometimes literally more than an hour.) And my sleep cycle hasn't precessed this week, which it did the last few times I had no schedule to wake up for. So it seems to be an improvement. I haven't noticed myself feeling any different throughout the day.
Further experimentation: I should try 3mg, and I should try skipping some days. I'd also like to bring my sleep cycle back by a few hours by Saturday night, because I need to get up early on Sunday.
In my experience, melatonin is primarily good for experiencing vivid nightmares. I take it recreationally for that purpose.
This is the public group instrumental rationality diary for the week of June 11th. It's a place to record and chat about it if you have done, or are actively doing, things like:
Or anything else interesting which you want to share, so that other people can think about it, and perhaps be inspired to take action themselves. Try to include enough details so that everyone can use each other's experiences to learn about what tends to work out, and what doesn't tend to work out.
Thanks to everyone who contributes!
(Previously: 5/14/12, 5/21/12, 5/28/12, 6/4/12)