It’s often hard for me to explain to people how aphantasia works. It’s not just the inability to visualize images in your head, it’s the absence of any sensory experience altogether. No internal sights, sounds, smells or tastes – nothing.
But over the years, I’ve experimented with different methods and tools to try and cure my aphantasia. One of the most surprising ones is a supplement called melatonin.
Now, before you start taking melatonin in massive doses, let me tell you my experience. More melatonin is not necessarily better. In fact, taking too much might actually be counterproductive. I found that I get the best results from just a small dose of 2.5mg.
There’s no clear explanation for why this works, but it seems like the body expects a certain amount of melatonin, and exceeding that amount might lead to a loss of benefits. So my advice is to start low and go slow. Take just 2.5mg right before bed, and see how it affects you.
For me, the changes were subtle at first. I didn’t suddenly visualize whole landscapes or vivid events. But over time, I started noticing more details in my dreams. Colors were brighter, shapes were clearer. I could better remember what I had dreamt about, and even replay parts of the dream in my head during the day.
Of course, this is not a guaranteed cure for aphantasia. Everyone’s brain is different, and melatonin might not work for everyone. Plus, as always, make sure you talk to your doctor before starting any kind of supplement regimen.
But if you’re looking for a new tool to try and unlock your inner senses, consider giving melatonin a chance. Who knows, you might be surprised by the results. Happy dreaming!