Imagine this: You come home after a night of drinking and struggle to fall asleep. You reach for the bottle of melatonin gummies on your nightstand. Before you take one, you stop to wonder if it’s safe to mix melatonin and alcohol.

Melatonin is a popular sleep aid that is available in many over-the-counter products.[1] Manufacturers advertise melatonin supplements as safe and natural. However, combining melatonin and other substances, including alcohol, can be risky.

This article will explore the dangers of mixing melatonin and alcohol. You’ll learn:

• What melatonin is
• The effects and risks of melatonin
• The risks of taking melatonin after drinking
• How to recognize alcohol abuse
• Where to find substance abuse treatment and support

If you or someone you love struggles with unhealthy drinking patterns or other types of substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to explore our holistic treatment and recovery support programs.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone. Our brains make melatonin to help regulate the body’s sleep/wake cycle (circadian rhythm).[1] People may take it to combat jet lag or to help get a good night’s sleep from time to time.

Some foods contain melatonin, including some vegetables and meat.[2] People take synthetic melatonin supplements to help with relaxation and sleep, which are widely available in many retail locations.

Most health experts believe that short-term melatonin supplementation is safe. However, long-term or heavy use can lead to unwanted side effects.

If you experience frequent or disruptive sleep problems, it is important to talk to a doctor. Your doctor can help you find safe ways to get the sleep you need to function at your best.

The Effects and Risks of Melatonin

While most health experts believe that occasional melatonin use is not dangerous, some people experience harmful side effects. Some of the potential side effects of melatonin include:[1]

• Lower body temperature
• Vivid dreams
• Blood pressure changes
• Sleepiness
• Morning grogginess
• Headache
• Irritability
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nighttime incontinence
• Mood swings
• Increased risk of seizures
• Short-term depression
• Stomach cramps
• Decreased appetite
• Increased anxiety

Melatonin can interfere with common medications, including:[3]

• Birth control
• Anti-seizure medications
• Immunosuppressants
• Medications to slow blood clotting
• Medications for diabetes

You must talk to your doctor before taking melatonin. Your doctor will advise you on how to take it or to avoid it.

Is Mixing Melatonin and Alcohol Safe?

Alcohol use is common, and melatonin is widely available. Many people who use melatonin supplements also drink alcohol. It is important to understand the risk of combining alcohol and melatonin.

First, it’s crucial to understand how alcohol affects your body. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.[4] Healthcare professionals believe alcohol reduces how much melatonin your body creates. This can disrupt your sleep cycles.

Alcohol use can also relax muscles related to breathing. This can lead to difficulty with breathing, especially for those with sleep apnea or other breathing issues. Alcohol depresses CNS activity and can cause sleepiness, drowsiness, or depressed breathing.[4] Drinking too much can be potentially dangerous or life-threatening if breathing becomes too shallow.

Combining alcohol and melatonin can be very dangerous. Melatonin can make people feel drowsy or fall asleep. Using melatonin after drinking can increase the sedative effects of alcohol.

The combination of alcohol and melatonin can lead to increased sedative effects. People who take melatonin after drinking may feel sleepy or experience excessive drowsiness. They may also experience:[5]

• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Swelling in the ankles or feet
• Flushing in the upper body and face
• Difficulty sustaining attention and focus
• Feeling cold or shivering

Many people believe that all over-the-counter supplements are safe. However, melatonin can be dangerous, especially if you take it after drinking. If you struggle with sleeping well, talk to your doctor to find a safe solution.

Recognizing Alcohol Abuse

If you take melatonin, it is important to avoid using it after drinking. If you struggle to control your drinking, you must seek professional treatment and support as soon as possible.

Here are some of the signs you may need professional help to stop drinking safely:

• You regularly drink more than you planned to
• You have to drink a lot to feel buzzed, or you can drink a lot without appearing drunk
• You have social, legal, or financial problems related to your drinking
• You spend a lot of time and energy drinking or dealing with hangovers
• You take risks while drinking, like having unprotected sex or driving
• You neglect your relationships, responsibilities, and hobbies because of your drinking
• You experience withdrawal symptoms (nausea, anxiety, sweating, headache, insomnia, etc.) when you stop drinking
• You want to stop drinking, but you can’t quit on your own

If you have any of these signs, you may need treatment to stop drinking and regain control over your health. Comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment can help you quit drinking and learn how to prevent relapse.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery programs.