Hi all, I'm a new nootropic user and first-time poster. I had an odd issue of insomnia last night and couldn't find a similar case using the site search.
For the last week, I've been following the following regimen:
10AM: 1g piracetam, 300mg alpha-GPC on empty stomach
11AM: 15mg dexmethylphenidate [Focalin XR] with food
6PM: 1g piracetam, 5mg dexmethylphenidate [Focalin] with food
10PM: 1 hour workout [Power 90 stage 3-4]
11PM: 5g creatine monohydrate with whey protein shake
I've been using the stack for exactly one week (working out for two months so far) and have seen tremendous benefits in memory, organization, focus, mood, social ability, and endurance.
However, last night my schedule ran late, I skipped the second Focalin, and took the second dose of piracetam at 9PM. I tried falling asleep at 11PM but simply couldn't - my mind didn't go into 'sleep mode' until almost 5 AM. I usually have no trouble falling asleep and normally remain sleeping for a full 8-9 hours per day.
My questions are:
1) Does piracetam cause insomnia if taken too close to bed time? If so, when is the optimal time to take the evening dose?
2) As the cumulative benefits of piracetam kick in, will the insomnia become permanent? IE, should I discontinue it now?
3) Could the late-night workout, protein shake, and creatine have kept me up instead of the piracetam? (I've been working out directly before bed for months with no problems).
4) Is it necessary to add supplements such as valerian and melatonin to promote sleep?
Thanks in advance. My schedule is tightly packed and I can't risk sleep problems.