From the Guidelines
It is not recommended for 18-year-olds to mix melatonin with alcohol due to potential negative interactions and increased risk of adverse effects. These substances can interact negatively, with alcohol potentially enhancing melatonin's sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination 1. Additionally, alcohol can disrupt sleep quality, counteracting the sleep-promoting benefits of melatonin. Both substances are processed by the liver, and combining them increases the workload on this organ. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that patients be educated regarding the risks and abuse/misuse of medications, including the potential for adverse effects when combining substances like alcohol and melatonin 1.
According to the clinical guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic insomnia in adults, alcohol is not recommended as a treatment for insomnia due to its short duration of action, adverse effects on sleep, exacerbation of obstructive sleep apnea, and potential for abuse 1. Furthermore, the FDA has recommended that a warning be issued regarding adverse effects associated with certain hypnotics, including the potential for disruptive sleep-related behaviors when combined with alcohol 1.
For those using melatonin to improve sleep, it's best to take it (typically 0.5-5mg) about 30-60 minutes before bedtime without alcohol. If you've consumed alcohol, wait until it has cleared your system before taking melatonin, which generally means waiting until the next day. It's also important to note that in the US, while 18-year-olds can legally purchase melatonin, they cannot legally consume alcohol until age 21.
Key considerations when using melatonin include:
- Starting with a low dose (0.5-5mg) and adjusting as needed
- Taking melatonin 30-60 minutes before bedtime
- Avoiding alcohol and other sedatives
- Being cautious when combining melatonin with other medications
- Monitoring for potential adverse effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness.
From the Research
Interaction between Melatonin and Alcohol
- The relationship between melatonin and alcohol consumption is complex, with studies suggesting that alcohol can suppress melatonin secretion and disrupt circadian rhythms 2, 3.
- Melatonin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be beneficial in reducing the harmful effects of alcohol consumption on the body 2, 3.
- Research has also explored the potential of melatonin as a treatment for alcoholism, with some studies suggesting that it may help reduce relapse-like drinking behavior 4.
Effects of Melatonin on Alcohol Consumption
- A study found that activation of melatonin receptors reduced relapse-like alcohol consumption in rats, suggesting that melatonin may be a useful target for treating alcohol addiction 4.
- Another study found that melatonin administration at the end of the light phase led to a phase advance in the diurnal drinking pattern and reduced frequency of approaches to alcohol bottles 4.
- However, a study in healthy men found that alcohol consumption did not affect melatonin circadian synchronization, suggesting that the effects of alcohol on melatonin secretion may be more complex than previously thought 5.
Considerations for 18-Year-Olds
- There is limited research specifically addressing the interaction between melatonin and alcohol consumption in 18-year-olds.
- However, given the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption and the complex relationship between melatonin and alcohol, it is likely that combining melatonin and alcohol could have unintended consequences 2, 3.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of melatonin and alcohol interaction in young adults.