Melatonin is commonly prescribed to those over 55 years old who have problem sleeping or experience insomnia. Poor sleep can mean anything like waking up early, not feeling refreshed upon waking, not being able to fall asleep, or waking up for a long time at night. Although insomnia is fairly common, it typically doesn't last long.

Melatonin, produced naturally within the body, is a hormone linked to controlling the body's sleeping patterns. As we get old, our body produces less melatonin. By taking it, you supplement your body's natural supply, promoting and improving the quality of your sleep. Some assume that alcohol can help with sound sleep. However, can melatonin and alcohol be taken together?

Is It Safe to Take Alcohol and MelatoninTogether?

Experts won't suggest that you take these two things at the same time. Both of them are sedatives, but if you combine them, it can disrupt your normal sleep. It is also possible for drinking to enhance the negative side effects linked to melatonin, particularly headaches and drowsiness. They can have side effects when taken, so you should always talk to a doctor beforehand.

How Do You Feel If Take Together?

The majority of people will feel drowsy if they take the them at the same time. They may experience fitful sleep, alternating with vivid nightmares. Others won't feel tired at all, instead, they feel as if they are on a stimulant. If you do sleep through the full night, you may wake up feeling like you have a hangover. Even low-level combinations of melatonin and alcohol can lead to hangover symptoms like dehydration, muscle pain, and headaches. Besides, alcohol reacts with certain medications aside from melatonin. Alcohol may make the medicine less effective so you shouldn't drink alcohol while on it.

Yet, sometimes doctors may suggest melatonin to help those recovering from alcohol withdrawal sleep well at night. If you suffer from alcoholism and can't sleep at night, you should always talk to your doctor before taking melatonin supplements. He may suggest alternatives, including OTC sleep aids. Adults of all ages should always remember to drink only in moderation, for overdrinking can disrupt your sleep.

How to Take Melatonin to Enjoy the Best Effect

1. Read the Instructions Carefully

Always begin by thoroughly reading the information that comes with your melatonin. It will give you information about the medication and possible side effects to watch for. Take the melatonin following the directions your doctor gives you, which is probably a tablet a day one or two hours before bed.

2. Take Melatonin After Eating

Take the medication after eating or with a snack since this will help it work later on in the night. Don't break up the tablet; instead swallow it whole so it releases slowly during the course of the next few hours. If you forget your tablet and don't remember until right before bed, take it then. Never take multiple doses together to make up for one you forget.

3. Follow the Recommended Duration

Never take melatonin for longer than your doctor suggests. They may prescribe it for 13 weeks or less. Don't mix melatonin and alcohol as it reduces the effectiveness of the medication.

4. Try to Work on a Sound Sleep

Take other steps to encourage good sleep, like reducing your consumption of caffeine (particularly in the evening or afternoon), not drinking alcohol or eating heavy meals before bed, and exercising early rather than later in the evening. Keep your regular doctor appointments so he can monitor your progress.

Can I Take a Melatonin as Dietary Supplement?

Mostly, it is safe to take melatonin as a dietary supplement as long as you take a low dose, but you should always talk to your doctor first. Children and women who are pregnant or nursing should never take melatonin without consulting their doctor. There are some side effects linked to melatonin, all of which will disappear when you stop using the supplement. They might include:

• Small blood pressure changes
• Morning grogginess
• Vivid dreams
• Lower body temperature
• Sleepiness

If you feel drowsy while taking melatonin, you shouldn't operate machinery or drive while on it. Always tell your doctor if you are taking melatonin during a health exam, and tell him if you have issues sleeping since it may indicate a health problem.

Adults should take melatonin in a dose of 0.2 to 20 milligrams depending on why it is used. Because the ideal dosage varies greatly between people, you should always talk to your doctor to know the right usages and ideal dose to take.