Alcohol Incompatibility with Specific Food Additive Identified
Melatonin Supplements and Alcohol Consumption: A Potent Combination with Potential Risks
Consuming melatonin supplements alongside alcohol can lead to a host of unpleasant side effects and potential dangers, according to British narcologist Olaekanu Otulana. These include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and enhanced risks of falls and motor coordination problems.
Melatonin, a hormone naturally produced by the body in response to darkness and as part of the circadian rhythms, is integral to regulating sleep and wake cycles. Artificial melatonin supplements mimic this natural compound and are frequently used to treat mild sleep disorders.
However, alcohol, as highlighted by the expert, can exacerbate sleep problems by disrupting sleep phases and leading to nightmares, frequent awakenings, and apnea. Neither alcohol nor melatonin neutralize the other's sleep-disrupting effects when combined, making it an inadvisable union.
Individuals at risk of liver dysfunction, namely those with alcoholism or hepatitis, should particularly avoid this combination as both substances are metabolized in the liver. Even for healthy individuals, a two-to-three-hour gap between ingesting these substances is recommended to avoid long-term liver strain.
While melatonin is commonly utilized as a sleep aid, alcohol consumption is associated with poorer sleep quality overall, counteracting the positives of melatonin. Furthermore, this combination can worsen sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea for which melatonin may be prescribed, potentially augmenting daytime sleepiness and cognitive impairment.
Previously, alcohol was flagged as a condition that should be avoided for various reasons.
When melatonin and alcohol are combined, their sedative properties act synergistically, increasing the likelihood of negative reactions, predominantly in younger individuals. This enhanced sedation may lead to risks such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination.
Melatonin supplements, often used to treat mild sleep disorders, can potentially pose risks when combined with alcohol, as highlighted by narcologist Olaekanu Otulana. This is because neither substance neutralizes the other's sleep-disrupting effects, leading to increased risks of drowsiness, dizziness, and motor coordination problems. Additionally, for individuals at risk of liver dysfunction, such as those with alcoholism or hepatitis, this combination should be avoided due to both substances being metabolized in the liver.
