Magnesium is a mineral that helps quiet your mind and body to make it easier to fall asleep, potentially due to its ability to regulate the production of melatonin. Magnesium also increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is a brain messenger with calming effects. Melatonin is a sleep hormone that your body produces naturally, signaling the brain that it is time to go to bed.

• Different sleep aids may help you fall asleep faster, reduce nighttime awakenings, or sleep for longer.
• First, if you combine alcohol and melatonin, negative side effects may occur.
• Danielle writes in-depth articles about sleep solutions and holds a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia.
• Below you’ll find more information aboutmelatoninand the potential side effects of combining it with alcohol.
• Dr. Ciliberti claims the secret to his success is combining natural remedies that promote relaxation and mitigate the negative impact that stress and anxiety have on the body.

See your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. © 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. All rights reserved. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

What’s the best drug-free option for insomnia?

For example, some sleep medications are habit-forming and addictive. Melatonin use produces no risks of dependency or addiction, even in the long term. If you’ve been having insomnia or sleeping inconsistently, talk to your doctor before taking melatonin supplements as a sleep aid. Your doctor may decide that melatonin isn’t the best solution for your sleeping issues. In the case that you have a sleep disorder, other medications or treatments may be more effective in helping you sleep better at night. There is not enough information available on the side effects of melatonin supplements to determine if pregnant or breastfeeding people can safely take these supplements.

You also avoid lighted screens before bed and manage stress. Still, it’s been weeks since you’ve had a good night’s sleep. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering medication to help you sleep. Using sleeping pills regularly could affect high blood pressure. Increasing magnesium intake by taking supplements can help you get quality and adequate sleep.

Work on your sleep habits

Those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should avoid melatonin supplements unless directed by their physician. If you are struggling with sleep, ask your doctor for other ways to improve sleep during pregnancy. Many people develop a tolerance to sleep aids, meaning https://ecosoberhouse.com/ they need higher doses of the drug over time to get the same effects. This may be accompanied by addiction or withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, anxiety, irritability, or strange dreams. You should carefully read the package insert that comes with any medication.

The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Our team of writers, editors, and medical experts rigorously evaluates each article to ensure the information is accurate alcohol and sleep and exclusively cites reputable sources. Danielle writes in-depth articles about sleep solutions and holds a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Are Sleeping Pills Bad for You?

However, you might not even think about the possible reactions that could occur when you mix alcohol with over-the-counter drugs. Melatonin, a seemingly harmless and natural sleep aid, is one of those substances you should not mix with alcohol. First, if you combine alcohol and melatonin, negative side effects may occur. These can include extreme drowsiness, dizziness and increasedanxiety.

• Dr. Colleen Ehrnstrom is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty practice in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy .
• While certain habits around sleep are almost always helpful, personalized strategies can tailor to shift work, mental health challenges, and other special circumstances.
• When you simply smell lavender oil shortly before going to bed, you can experience improved sleep quality.

If you continue to have trouble sleeping, talk to your health care provider. In addition to lifestyle changes, your provider might recommend behavior therapy. This type of therapy may help you learn new sleep habits and ways to make your sleeping environment more conducive to sleep. In some cases, short-term use of prescription sleep aids might be recommended as well. You have a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and daytime naps, and exercise regularly.

Is It Dangerous to Mix Melatonin and Alcohol?

When you simply smell lavender oil shortly before going to bed, you can experience improved sleep quality. Although lavender therapy is generally safe, oral intake of supplements can lead to nausea and stomach pain in some people. Ideally, essential lavender oil is intended for aromatherapy and not oral ingestion. You shouldn’t mix alcohol with other drugs and even certain psychiatric medications.