I was watching TV when I saw a commercial for a supplement called Dream Water. Dream Water is basically a small bottle of water that has ingredients – which we'll cover below- to help you fall asleep. A liquid sleep aid supplement is definitely something I had not seen before so I decided to take a look at Dream Water. Does it work? What is its ingredients? Does Dream Water have any side effects? So, let's take a deep dive review of Dream Water and see if it's right for you. Also see the Relaxium Sleep review.
Dream Water Research
I was unable to locate any clinical studies on Dream Water itself. That said, I have a good idea that it might help some people fall asleep based on its ingredients. That said, does the combination of ingredients in Dream Water work better than any of the individual ingredients alone? Let's next take a look at the sleep evidence of the ingredients in Dream Water.
Dream Water Ingredients
Dream Water's active ingredients form a proprietary blend they call “SleepStat.” In order, as they appear on the label, here are the 3 ingredients:
- GABA
- Melatonin
- 5 HTP
Each of these 3 ingredients adds up to 150 mg total.
That said, we are not told is how much GABA, melatonin, and 5 HTP is in this sleep supplement. All we are told on the label is that it is a proprietary blend (which they call “SleepStat”).
Let's briefly review each ingredient and see what the research says.
GABA
GABA is short for Gamma Amino Butyric Acid. GABA is a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that does have a calming, sedative effect on nerves. That said, in order for GABA supplements to help insomnia, GABA would have to pass through the blood-brain barrier that protects the brain and central nervous system.
According to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it appears that GABA supplements cannot cross the blood brain barrier. Even so, GABA supplements do appear to calm nerves outside of the central nervous system and this is likely why GABA is in Dream Water.
Interestingly, some older research has shown that GABA can increase growth hormone levels when given to healthy people (5 grams of GABA was used in this study). Higher amounts of GABA however decrease growth hormone levels.
Melatonin
The hormone, melatonin, is made in the brain, specificlaly in the pineal gland. Melatonin levels rise at night and decrease during the day. In fact, it is the lack of sunlight (or any light) that causes the release of melatonin. The darker your bedroom, the more melatonin you make.
A good amount of melatonin research finds that it can help those who have issues with their sleep/wake cycles. These are technically called circadian rhythms. There is also some evidence that melatonin helps insomnia as well.
Melatonin has also been studied for a number of other conditions. Some research hints that melatonin may help migraine headaches. Other researchers find melatonin may help some forms of cancer There may be something to this but women should speak to their doctor before taking melatonin supplements.
Teenagers usually don't have any trouble sleeping (because they make a LOT of melatonin) but just in case, young adults should avoid melatonin. Some research shows that melatonin might effect the development of the gonads.
Likewise, be aware that melatonin may also interact with blood thinner medications and diabetes drugs .
Melatonin might increase blood pressure and heart rate in those who have high blood pressure. In theory, this risk may be increased when used with 5 HTP supplements.
5 HTP
This is also called 5 hydroxy tryptophan. It's called this because 5-HTP “looks” like the amino acid, tryptophan. Most people have heard about how the tryptophan in warm milk helps people sleep right? Tryptophan is made into the brain chemical called serotonin which has a calming effect on the body. 5-HTP also kind of “looks” like serotonin as well.
It's well known that 5 HTP can raise serotonin levels.
This however is what may make 5HTP potentially harmful. There is a condition called serotonin syndrome, where serotonin levels go too high. This can lead to dangerous elevations in blood pressure and heart rate. The risk of this may be increased in people who take antidepressant drugs.
In the late 1980s over 30 people died from a rare white blood cell disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). All of the people who 
died were taking tryptophan supplements.
Since 5 HTP looks like tryptophan, might it also increase EMS? I don't know. I am not aware of any cases of EMS stemming from 5 HTP supplements but I thought I would mention it.
As I outlined in my book Nutritional Supplements What Works and Why, the link between tryptophan supplements and EMS is contentious. Some say that EMS was due to an impurity (sometimes called Peak X) in a batch of tryptophan made in Japan. Others say it was tryptophan itself that caused EMS in susceptible individuals (this is because the Peak X impurity was not found in all cases of EMS). Regardless what caused the EMS outbreak of the late 1980s, I believe both tryptophan and 5 HTP supplements should be used with caution.
5 HTP is also found in the weight loss supplement 1 Db Goddess.
Dream Water Side Effects
As far as I can tell, Dream Water has not been tested in published peer-reviewed studies. To my knowledge also, the specific combination of 3 ingredients in Dream Water – GABA, 5 HTP and Melatonin has also not been adequately tested for safety either in published peer-reviewed studies.
That said, I am reasonably confident that in healthy people Dream Water is safe for short-term use. The levels of GABA, melatonin and 5 HTP are probably low enough that healthy people may not experience adverse effects if Dream Water is used occasionally.
Of the 3 ingredients in Dream Water, I think both GABA and melatonin are probably the safest overall for most people. It is the 5HTP ingredient that gives me some concern.
In theory, 5 HTP may interact with:
- Antidepressant medications
- Parkinson's medications
- Over the counter cough suppressants
- Pain medications
- Supplements used for depression (like St. John's Wort)
The evidence for these interactions is not concrete and is based for the most part on worst-case scenarios. Still, given the seriousness of serotonin syndrome causing drastic increases in blood pressure and heart rate, I think it was worth mentioning.
The Dream Water website (DrinkDreamWater.com) does state that they do not recommend long term use of their product. They also state Dream Water should not be combined with any medications – including alcohol. The company goes on to say that people should consult their doctor if they experience any adverse effects from Dream Water. I feel these statements are appropriate and congratulate the Dream Water company for saying this.
Melatonin might cause vivid dreams or nightmares, especially if too much is used. How likely this is to happen with Dream Water I don't know.
- Stop taking dream water at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Don't take dream water if you are pregnant/breastfeeding
- Dream Water is not intended for people under 18
What's The Active Ingredient?
Of the 3 different ingredients in this sleep supplement:
- GABA
- Melatonin
- 5 HTP
I believe melatonin is the main active ingredient. I see more evidence for melatonin than the other ingredients. Is it possible the combination of all 3 ingredients works better than melatonin by itself? Sure, its possible. But, that would take studies to prove for sure. I'm not aware of any Dream Water vs. melatonin research.
How Much Does Dream Water Cost?
Dream Water is sold via its website and at over 30,000 locations such as Walmart and Walgreens. The product comes in two sizes:
- 2.5 oz “sleep shot“
- 8 oz size bottle
Both sizes of Dream Water have zero calories. Both the 2.5 oz sleep shot and the 8 oz version are said to have the same concentration of ingredients.
On the Dream Water website, a 6 pack of the Lullaby Lemon Sleep Shot (2.5 oz) costs $19.95. A 12 pack costs $38.99 and a 24 pack is $71.99.
A 6 pack of the 8 oz Lullaby Lemon costs $19.99. A 12 pack costs $33.99 and a 24 pack costs $59.99.
Since nighttime trips to the bathroom can interrupt sleep, taking Dream Water at least an hour before bedtime -or using the smaller 2.5 oz Sleep Shot – might be a good idea.
Can You Take Dream Water On A Plane?
The product is sold in every major airport so it better be allowed on planes. Fortunately, yes, the smaller 2.5 oz Dream Water bottles state they are TSA Compliant. The 8 oz bottle likely is not TSA compliant.
Who Makes Dream Water?
The company is called Sarpes Beverages LLC also known as Dream Products LLC which was founded in 2009. The company website is DrinkDreamWater.com. The company is located at 2001 Tyler St Suite # 5 Hollywood, FL 33020.
Does Dream Water Work?
The ingredients seem logical to me so I would not be surprised if some people say Dream Water worked for them. Indeed, if you read the comments below, you will find people who say just that. Does Dream Water really work better than melatonin? I can't say for sure.
I would have taken it earlier but I had to stay up to at least midnight that evening for something, that and I did not need to be up early the following day. In all honesty I wasn’t expecting the drink to work so I suppose that was part of the carelessness.
And no, I will not be purchasing or consuming Dream Water again.
Sara, thanks for sharing that! While I would not have taken Dream Water at 1AM, what you said about waking up at 5AM with mood swings and having anxiety attacks is troubling. I do hope you stop taking Dreamwater.
Yesterday I purchased a small shot of the Dream Water as I have terrible insomnia. Even after reading this and many other reviews and articles I decided to try it as I don’t take antidepressants and figured the worst I would get was perhaps no result or a stomach upset.
The good: It did get me to sleep, in fact maybe a bit too well. I drank it around 1 am, in 20 minutes I was so groggy I could barely make it to the bed, woke up only for about a half hour around 5 (which will be mentioned in the bad) and then slept until 2 pm. I’m still groggy and it’s 9 pm where I am.
The bad: It seems to null more than just antidepressants as far as “mental health” medication is concerned. I take both Lithium and an anti-anxiety medication twice a day and it completely voided both so that when I woke up at 5 am, I was going between violent mood swings and an anxiety attack. Even after my morning dosage I’m still not “right”.
So while for me it did work in terms of getting me to sleep and letting me have fairly uninterrupted sleep, it wasn’t worth voiding my medication. I honestly wanted to be able to have this as a sometimes supplement as it doesn’t taste bad (I had the snoozeberry) and to perhaps be one of the few able to give it a positive review, but I can’t.
Dream Water doesn’t send sample to people who don’t ask for it. The Post Office or UPS was trying out this new concept that they send samples of products to people who signed up for the program. I love Dream Water!! Much better than those energy drinks. Humans get energy from two sources, Sleep and Food, not 8,000%+ of your Recommended Daily Value of Vitamin B-12.
I have no problems with the content in Dream Water- GABA, melatonin and 5HTP. I actually take melatonin supplements daily.
However, my concern is what kind of water do they use? I don’t drink tap water, filtered water and water sources from California.
thanks for all the information about dream water. i was at a gas station and working long hours i figured it couldn’t hurt to give it a shot. i tried this product with another product called neuro sleep. Prior to falling asleep, it was almost like a dream state, and my body and mind was heavy.
When I would slightly turn my head and I didn’t have the muscle control to stop my head from laying on the pillow. When I woke up, I felt a little groggy, but better then normal.
Thanks Joe. I’m glad my review of Dream Water helped you.
You wrote a very well written, and comprehensive analysis of dream water, this was very informative and helpful. I can say that dream water works well, but it is not for everyday, or even weekly use. Many of the chemicals in it have inconclusive research results. I did however mix it with cannabis, with no ill effects, for what it’s worth.
This stuff gave me the nastiest diarrhea I’ve ever had.
I have had trouble getting to sleep. After drinking the 2.5 shot of dream water, I have had no more sleeping problems. I wake fresh with no side affects. Dream water has worked miracles.
Hi Sam, I agree with your dad. I have no idea what Dream water would do after you recovered from any type of cancer. I don’t think anyone can answer that question. Talk to your doctor about your sleeping problems and see what he/she says.
I appreciate you letting me know about the free samples of Dreamwater also Sam.
I’m a teenager recovering from Leukemia and have some trouble sleeping. This company may be sending samples out to random people. My mom got some and she’s the last person that would ask for a sample. My dad told me not to drink it advised me to ask my doc if it’s alright for me. After I post this comment I’m going to get the bottle and flush it down the toilet. Thanks for the info!
Monica while I’m not a doctor, I would not mix dream water and antidepressants. The dream water website does say “If you are taking medications or generally have concerns, consult your doctor before use.” That’s a vague warning that basically means “we never tested this stuff and have no idea of how it interacts with medications”. Glad dream water worked before for you. Just wanted to mention this.
I tried Dream Water once and it worked very well for me. i have problems staying asleep and this helped keep my body from waking so many times. i also takes 2 anti depressants and i felt pretty fine the next day. id like to try it again some time.
Jacqueline Glad it worked for you. your right everybody’s physiology is different to a degree. The comment about Dream Water by Julia did give me pause for concern esp the part about leg cramping. Hard to say what caused it -Dreamwater or something else. Might be best if people drink only half a bottle of dreamwater at first just to see how their body reacts to it.
I used dreamwater twice, not two nights in a row, but only once a week. Results were amazing. I slept like a baby and woke up feeling refreshed and relaxed. Everyone’s physiology is different but if you are healthy and have occasional sleep problems I think it is helpful.
Donna thanks I’m glad i was able to help you. How did you get your free dream water sample? Did they send it to you out of the blue or did you have to request it?
Thank you for the break down on what is in Dream Water. I, too, received a sample via the USPS sample box. I have sleep issues and would welcome help. However, based on your article, I know this product is not for me.
Julia, thanks for sharing your experience with Dream Water. If those symptoms come back go to your doctor.
I drank a sample of Dream Water I received from the post office sample box thinking it would be harmless. but The next morning, I woke up very dizzy, fatigued, nauseous, and my legs were cramping….which stayed with all day until now at night.