Melatonin

[Alex-Anderson]

I think this post has become too subjective, with too many assumptions. Yes like anything in life 'drugs' be it recreational or medicinal can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts or more importantly without some form of education, supervision or control. However that doesn't mean substitutes cannot be used to achieve positive results or to have fun.
 
So going back to melatonin or any other form of supplements, if it works to get you initially over that stumbling block then so be it and go for it! Unfortunately some people can't exactly get from A to B in life as easier as others, and sometimes substitutes can be beneficial in stimulating results towards the exercise or goal trying to be achieved. I do not believe we have to
 
There are quite a lot of medicines which often will often be seen as a side effect that can impact our dream awareness. Most of these medicines are the ones that usually affect the serotonin levels. But I would say it's important to note is anything being used a supplement to achieve an OBE has to also compliment some form of training or education on the subject (i.e. a plan!).
 
If most of these medicines allowed us to eventually have OBE's it would be more widely known, but the majority of people that have excessive vivid, lucid dreams just don't have the knowhow on the subject to go that one step further, and further more the drugs are being used to treat the individual suffering from a condition and often the dream side effect goes beyond their desired effect of what they are initially being treated for. Just visit some forums for people on anti-depressants, sleep disorders etc and there are a lot of posts of people confused by the dream side effects induced by some of these medications. Most of them appear to be scratching their heads somewhat baffled by the reality of the dreams, and also frightened but in the context of people using this medication it's probably not on their agenda to be exploring the dream state or subconscious, they naturally have other concerns.
 
I have mentioned this above and I have been a type 1 diabetic for 20 years (on insulin) and I'm very aware how additional medicines, food, drinks, exercise can all impact my body and the overall mental state. I have found that control of the blood sugar levels during sleep can induce OBEs, vivid dreams, nightmares etc (low sugars be it dangerous, usually always induces vivid dreams and then OBEs). And also believe that the insulin itself may have some subtle side effects towards or dream state. It's all do with how the sugar levels control the neurotransmitters, and in non diabetics this can be induced by sleep deprivation and decreased food intake (which is often viewed as an OBE stimulation technique). 
 
As Xanth has mentioned it would be nice if there was some official studies on the subject and instead of often being seen as an effect adverse to what one is being treated for.