Using melatonin to sleep but wondering, can melatonin be mixed with alcohol? Here is what you need to know.
Can Melatonin Be Mixed With Alcohol?
Melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycles our bodies naturally develop. Melatonin releases during the night or evening as the light around us decreases. Long before the abundance of technology, there was no exposure to artificial light such as that produced by our cellphones and laptops. Historically, the setting sunlight and onset darkness were the only things to help the release of melatonin.
Light stimulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which resides in the hypothalamus part of the brain. With exposure to light, the SCN sends signals to the brain to release certain hormones such as cortisol, increase body temperature and prevent the release of melatonin. However, without light, the SCN essentially allows for the release of melatonin.
Most people use melatonin to help them fall asleep and there are no well known cases of melatonin abuse. Some individuals experience a decrease in natural melatonin production as they get older. Thus, they take melatonin pills to supplement what their body is already producing. In addition, the supplement is seen as a helpful aid in dealing with jet lag. Generally, melatonin supplements are considered to be safe for short and long term use. Currently, there is little risk of developing an addiction.
Though it is important to find balance with anything, there are no known cases of melatonin overdose. It is possible that taking too much causes unwanted side effects such as severe drowsiness and can cause very vivid dreams. In some instances, taking excessive dosages have been reported to have little effect and made it even more difficult to fall asleep.
Other effects of melatonin include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Irritability
- Decreased blood pressure
- Fatigue the next day
So, can Melatonin be mixed with alcohol? Melatonin is a rather harmless but useful supplement. Many people rely on it to have a good night’s rest; some also depend on it mixed with alcohol to achieve the same effects. However, they frequently find that their sleep is more restless. Mixing the two substances is not likely to have deadly consequences as seen when mixing other drugs with alcohol. However, there are still potential negative side effects.
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