No Melatonin is not safe with alcohol. When taking melatonin, you should have it with no alcohol in your system or a long after you’ve had any alcoholic drinks. You should wait at least 2-3 hours before taking melatonin as a sleep aid if you’ve had alcohol.
Some studies reveal that alcohol inhibits the natural release of melatonin in the body. This may stop your body’s release of the hormone into your body before going to sleep, and may ruin your night.
However, there’s also some research which shows this goes the other way too. Alcohol either massive weakens or strengthens the effects of melatonin – and that is definitely not safe.
To see our best sleep aid, check out our review of Performance Lab Sleep.
Melatonin and Alcohol
Melatonin and alcohol can both have similar effects depending on the circumstances, in that they have both been used to help promote sleep. People supplement melatonin to support their body’s sleep hormone for a faster, deeper sleep. Whereas some use alcohol as a ‘nightcap’ to relax them before going to bed.
However, mixing the two of them together is not a good idea. They are both sedatives, and that’s where you can run into dangerous territory.
Potential safety risks of taking Alcohol with Melatonin include:
- Drowsiness
- Trouble Breathing
- Passing Out
- Dizziness
Which could lead to serious problems if you are in a social situation, or still have things to do before going to bed.
If you have any concerns about taking melatonin and alcohol and need further guidance you should speak to your doctor before using it.
Alcohol is a system depressant. It has sedative results on the body after just a couple of drinks. Although alcohol appears to do essentially the very same job as melatonin, blending the two compounds is never ever suggested. For some, alcohol assists with sleeping.
Potential Side Effects Mixing Melatonin and Alcohol
Taking melatonin with alcohol, may lead to the following problems:
- Lack of Sleep
- Irritability and Mood Swings
- Brain Fog
- Vivid Dreams
- Anxiety
- Skin Redness
- Swelling of Feet and Hands
- Rapid Heartbeat
Which can all defeat the purpose of using melatonin or alcohol for sleep. Let’s look at them in more detail:
Lack of Sleep: Taking Melatonin with Alcohol may cause sleep disturbances which affects the over quality and length of your sleep.
Irritability and Mood Swings: Combining these two may put you in a bad mood which doesn’t put you in a calm relaxed mindset to sleep.
Brain Fog: Inability to focus or think clearly which is generally not ideal.
Vivid Dreams: Taking the two together may cause unpleasant dreams which may wake you up or give you a poor night’s sleep.
Anxiety: Uneasiness from the melatonin and alcohol may make it difficult for you to sleep.
Rapid Heartbeat: A racing heart is never good if you’re looking to get to sleep soundly.
Summary: It is not safe to take Melatonin with Alcohol
The heading says it all. If you’re looking to mix melatonin with alcohol it is not a good idea.
The alcohol can interact and have a very negative effect on the melatonin. This can either by making it much more potent, or putting a stop on your melatonin supply for a poor night’s sleep. It depends how your body reacts.
Regardless of how you respond, it’s not to take Alcohol with Melatonin.
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Hi, I’m Pablo Garduno. I am a biohacking enthusiast, and Head Writer of SanDiegoHealth.org. I write the majority of the content on this site, and appreciate you taking the time to read my work.