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.
Heather says
I tried Dream Water last night for the first time- the 2.5oz shot. After a few minutes, I felt like I wanted to vomit. It was not pleasant. I fell asleep about 20-30 minutes after taking it, and proceeded to have the most awful dreams and nightmares. When I woke up, it felt like I had been hit by a truck. My entire forehead throbbed from a headache that was twice as bad as any hangover I’ve ever experienced and it took 2+ hours for it to disappear, even with 800mg of Ibuprofen when I woke up.
I’m not sure why I had these issues, but I did. I am a light sleeper usually- very rarely have dreams or toss and turn. I woke up with so much pain in my back, I’m assuming from tossing and turning or the positions I was in.
I can say one thing, though- It worked GREAT in terms of falling asleep quickly. Maybe I’ll try half a shot next time instead of the full thing. I sure hope no one else is having these issues.
mike says
I started using Dream Water about a year ago because I wanted to see if it might help me with insomnia. I am a night-shift worker and sleep during the daylight hours has been an issue. Well, Dream Water works sometimes. And, sometimes it doesn’t. But, I do know that it works best when I allow time for it to go into effect. This means that if I have to be awake at 10:00PM each night for work, then I must take DW sometime around 1:00PM and on an empty stomach.
Don’t eat anything at least two hours prior. If I do that, it works. It relaxes me and I get drowsy enough to fall into slumber. And, I mean a sleep that is not one of those semi-conscious, “in-and-out” kind of sleep sessions. So, it works. But, it may not be for everyone.
Billy says
I have not tried the Dream water so I can’t evaluate it but I do know the Melatonin in the vitamin isle of many stores will give a restful night with no side effects so you wake up ready to go in the morning.
Jody says
It seems that a lot of people of extra afraid of this Dream Water. I am very sensitive to medications and supplements and I tried it and it did relax me. It certainly is not the devil water that a lot of people make it out to be.
It’s funny too that the amount of tryptophan in this is extremely low when compared to something as simple as an egg white or a glass of milk. Some of these side effects are probably not from the Dream Water but from some other indigestible I’m sure.
Afterbirth says
Wow… These comments are hilarious. I take it all the time and it works fantastic. All you people with all these crazy side effects probably shouldn’t take anything that alters your consciousness. Violent episodes?? Tripping?? Yea.. Pretty sure that’s not the dream water doing that.
Marc says
I’ve been having serious issues with insomnia since last November. I have tried prescription meds and supplements in various combinations, but nothing has worked satisfactorily. I have even tried the ingredients in Dream Water in various combinations.
I saw Dream Water in CVS, and bought it on impulse; it was buy one, get one free, so I thought “what the heck”, and got two bottles. I was very skeptical. Well, I tried it two nights ago, and I slept like a baby for a good 7.5 hours.
Thinking that this might be a flluke, I used the second bottle the next night, and slept just as well. I’m still not convinced, but in case it really is working, I went out and got two more buy one get one frees (so, 4 more shots). I’m hoping it isn’t a fluke, because so far, it seems to work really well!
Joe says
Marc, hope it keeps helping you.
Von says
The outcome of it is Sleep Joe. They are all chemicals found naturally in your brain. Stop trying to psyche people out. This article is the equivalent of FOX news. You claim to put information out there other people don’t. But as Doug stated, you left out the fact that “The EMS outbreak was CONTAMINATED L-Tryptophan produced in Japan that caused it?” Nyquil is about to release their own version of dream water and there are several other melatonin, 5-htp and GABA supplements already out there. Dream Water is just one of them. It’s not some dangerous unknown substance that you keep throwing out there.
Joe says
Von, I’m confident if we called dream water and asked it was ok to use if breast feeding, they would say no. breastfeeding is a common contraindication with supplements.
most people never speak of possible ill effects of supplements. i feel people should have both sides of the story so they can make a better choice – and hopefully speak to their doctor or pharmacist for better information.
as for tryptophan, you probably missed my earlier reply -scroll up – where i presented some evidence that might disprove the contaminated tryptophan / EMS theory.
just because something is natural does not mean its safe for everybody. an example is the finding that beta carotene causes lung cancer in smokers
sara says
I’m a mama of 6 and my 9 month old has been restless due to teething issues. As i am a breastfeeding mama, I drank half a bottle and we BOTH slept beautifully and safely for the first time in over a month. It’s not something I would do on a regular basis, but after my doc suggested Tylonal PM which has MUCH stronger ingredients, I went with my gut and did the natural route instead. Once in a blue moon, for THIS family…this was amazing, and I’m a better mom when I’ve had sleep, and my girl is happier when SHE’S had sleep! Thanks Dream Water for a safe alternative!
Joe says
sara as you said its not something you’d dob regularly. i dont know the outcome of dream water while breastfeeding. id be careful about that.
Lady says
I take sleep meds and anti depressants nightly. I have fibromyalgia and am low level bipolar. I haven’t been able to sleep the last 5 nights from stress and anxiety attacks. I saw this at Walmart, being sold as two for one. I bought it. Last night I took my routine medication and again started with anxiety attacks and was wide awake at 12:30.
Getting frustrated I drank the entire 2.5 oz bottle. About twenty minutes in I thought “this isn’t working either”. Next thing I know its 8:00 am and my alarm is going off. I think i could have slept longer.
I know it was stupid to take this with other medication but I was desperate for rest. My mind feels a bit artificially calm, if that makes sense and I’m slightly achy ( probably from being in one position all night). I don’t feel any stomach issues. I did dream, but nothing bad. Maybe my side effects aren’t too bad because I am used to sleep meds.
If I ever take this again it will be without other sleep medications, I think that might be rolling the dice. I will see my Dr. on Monday and seek advice on my sleep issues. Hope this helps.
Linda says
I tried Dream water last night. It calmed me and I fell asleep quickly. I slept soundly for 6.5 hours. When I woke for work (alarm), I felt like I had been hit by a bus. Three and a half hours later, I am still extremely groggy and lethargic. I had no nausea or stomach issues as described by others.
Paul Felton says
Dream Water is a complete scam and extremely unhealthy. I have tried the product multiple times to then wake up feeling extremely sluggish and nauseous. I highly advise staying away from this product.
Doug G says
I agree with Von wholeheartedly.
The entire article you’ve written doesn’t support the product at all, is not even close to being neutral…. Until over a year (and many guinea pig posters here) later you actually decide to try it out for yourself.
So perhaps your original speculative commentary:
“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?”
Have you even researched the EMS outbreak? Did you even post that it was CONTAMINATED L-Tryptophan produced in Japan that caused it?
For that matter, it would be easy as pie to find millions of people that are allergic to all sorts of supplements, foods, medicines… and even peanuts. They don’t just get sick, but they can DIE from them in an instant with the right circumstances.
You need to stick to the facts, do some research, and not just throw out stuff you think is important, and totally unjustified commentary. You’re scaring people, improperly labeling products ‘potentially unhealthy… albiet deadly’ for no reason other than to what?
IMO, dream water works for me. If it doesn’t for the next person then tough. They can keep taking their ambien. Your article is a disservice to a great product that has solved one of my life long problems.
Joe says
Doug, I apprecaite you taking the time to write. My goal was not to “support” the product but to give you information that most other websites do not provide so that you can make a better choice. In a perfect world, I’d hope that my words might lead to a conversation with a doctor or pharmacist who can provide more in depth answers to the questions I pose.
As for the case of EMS and tryptophan coming from a contaminated batch from a company in Japan, this is a widely held believe and while most cases of EMS can be traced to this batch of tryptophan, there are ALSO case reports of people getting EMS who took tryptophan which DID NOT come from that Japanese company.
I actually address this issue in my book about dietary supplements. The reference I used in my book to substantiate this claim is “Food and Drug Administration. Information Paper on L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan. February 2001.”
I’d also point you to an article at the National Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome Network. In the last paragraph of this document the author says “Also, it has been reported that people have obtained L-tryptophan in other countries and become ill with EMS. Although it is unlikely that Showa Denko product from 1989 is still being marketed in any form…”
Here is the link to that article http://www.nemsn.org/Articles/truth_about_tryptophan.htm
I will also point you to a 2007 article on tryptophan and the EMS outbreak which addresses how people got EMS EVEN BEFORE people started taking the Japanese batch of tryptophan http://todayyesterdayandtomorrow.wordpress.com/2007/06/09/gm-tryptophan-ems-killed-37-and-permanently-disabled-1500-people/
The issue about 5 HTP and EMS is a question addressed on other websites also so I am not alone in this thinking. I didnt just make it up. For example, on the website of the University of Maryland, they indicate that there are case reports of EMS in people who have taken 5 HTP supplements
As for my trying Dream Water after I wrote my review on the product that is just because I happen to have found it at the store. I didn’t see Dream Water sold anywhere near me when I wrote my review.
In my reviews I do try to “stick to the facts” and that is why when I post something, I try to link to published peer reviewed studies to back up what I’m saying. As an aside, my book on dietary supplements contains over 900 references, 99% of those are published peer reviewed research studies.
Doug, I’m glad Dream Water works for you. I am sure we will agree that the majority of websites that discuss dietary supplements likely have some connection with those products and in my opinion, most of those reviews are written by people who do not fully grasp the science and who repeat things that the have heard from others. My goal is not to scare anyone but rather to provide people a place to find information that is based in logic, rational thought and science.
I hope that clears things up.
Cynthia says
Wonderful product! I recently returned from Australia with wicked Jetlag and needed something to help me restore my sleep/wake cycle. Tried half a bottle of the sleep shot and I had an uninterrupted and restful sleep for the first time in three days. No side effects, woke up feeling great, continued taking the sleep shot for two more days – same excellent result. Would highly recommend to healthy individuals.
Kate says
I tried Dream Water for the first time last night (Pineapple PM around 11:30 pm. It managed to make me drowsy and fall asleep quickly. Unfortunately I was wide awake an hour later with some awful GI trouble. Can’t say for sure whether this was caused by the product, but I hadn’t eaten anything unusual before bed. I was up until approximately 5 am! Sleep for about another 2 hours when it struck again.
It’s now 11 am, and it’s still going on. Nope. Won’t be trying this again! (For the record, I have a slightly overactive thyroid which is why I can’t sleep. It’s not overactive enough to warrant medication to control it as of yet, and the doc and I are trying different OTC sleep aids before resorting to prescription meds).
Von says
This article is poorly written and almost slanderous. This isn’t a review, you didn’t review anything. You named the ingredients which the company itself names, and then you just assume without any scientific knowledge or sources.
“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”
Okay? Then don’t mention that at all. You’re just scaring a bunch of hypochondriacs here.
If you’re going to review something, actually review it. Take it, tell us what it did for you. Don’t freak people out over chemicals naturally found in the brain. What would you rather them do? Take the alternative sleeping aids like diphenhydramine? Why don’t you research into the harmful affects of those? This is a great product and I use it whenever I need to get to sleep. As a late night worker, sometimes I have to get up early. This stuff works.
Joe says
Von, if you read the comments you would see where I said recently I did try Dream water and it did in fact help me sleep and that it worked fast. It didn’t though seem to work as powerfully the next day however. But, it did work. I wrote what I did because it seems to be that mostly everybody on the web who writes reviews of supplements seems to give just a superficial glossing over of benefits etc and in my opinion does not seem to give people enough information – from both sides the issue – to make an informed choice. That is what I tried to do. My goal was definitely not to slander the company or product but rather just to provide facts and my opinions.
I very clearly remember the EMS outbreak in the late 1980s and I am not the only person to bring up the possible connection to EMS and5 HTP. Other websites have brought this up also Again, my goal was not to scare people but rather to inform. I don’t think most people who take supplements are hypochondriacs and I dont think I scared them. I am but one voice in an ocean of opinions on the web and I’m confident that people who read my reviews also compare them to others out.
Shaylean says
I am a 40 yr old female. I often have trouble sleeping. I have tried most of the prescription meds that doctors have given me and more than my fair share of OTC meds for sleep. I often find things will work for a couple days then nothing. I seen dream water in Wal Mart and bought a couple. I finally was able to sleep like a baby. I since have been using it.
I have no side effects except that I notice if I don’t sleep at least 6 hrs of straight sleep after taking it I am groggy the next morning so I just make sure that I will not have to get up within that time frame. It always leaves me feeling refreshed and ready for the day. I have recommended it to friends to try.
I did find though that buying it from Wal Mart is way cheaper than trying to buy it on the website. I would like to see the price drop a little but its worth it for me. Thanks Dream Water…I will keep on buying !!!!!!
Joe says
I paid about $2.50 for a bottle at walmart and I thought that was a lot LOL
melodi says
This product should be investigated. Not safe.
Joyce Watkins says
I am usually a very good sleeper, but needed to get up much earlier on Tuesday morning and knew I would need help getting to sleep early on Monday night. I saw Dream Water at Walmart and thought this might be my answer to getting to sleep early. I took it and in deed went to sleep very quickly and had a restful sleep, that is until I awoke with an itch on my foot. It continued to awaken me from my sleep.
By the end of the day on Tuesday I was covered with these huge bright welts all over my body that were on fire and so itchy I couldn’t stand my clothes touching my skin. I took two doses of Benadryl with no success. I had to go to the doctor and get medication.
While there, the doctor told me another person had a violent migraine from taking this so called sleep aid. I would never take it again and would advise anyone that needs help sleeping to go to their doctor for advice.
melodi says
Dream Water gave me a terrible headache.
No thanks for any more and was awake after 4 hours of sleep and could not get back to sleep.
regis says
I have diabetes and before I went to get tested I haven’t been able to sleep a whole night because I was urinating every 30 minutes. I seen Dream Water in Walmart and I instantly grabbed it because I been looking for an alternative to any sleep enhancers that are pills.
Being that I was in denial with my diabetes, I went a whole year of this sleep pattern. It took a toll on my body and I was down to crying because I craved only one night of sleep. When I took Dream Water it worked, point blank. I can even say that it got rid of a migraine that I been dealing with for 2 months. I couldn’t remember sleeping like that ever because it has been so long.
I don’t buy them any more because I been able to fix my situation by living and dieting right for the sake of my life with diabetes. Im sure everybody’s body processes the product differently but in my case it kicked in within 20 minutes. I mainly noticed it because I have pinch nerve from old work issues and for a few minutes I noticed that it just kinda slowed down before I just got sleepy.
I only used it 2 times and worked both times. I suggest only use it as an aid when you REALLY need it and avoid making this a routine thing. I just thought I would share my experience with Dream Water to let people know that it works.