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.
Thank you! I got it because I was waking up two to four time a night. I was thinking about going to bed and I was going to take it but decided to do some research on it and I am glad I did.
I have trouble sleeping quite frequently and after seeing a television ad for ‘Dream Water,’ decided to try it. However, being on antidepressants, I thought it wise to check with my physician before taking it. I purchased a “shot” bottle of the product and showed it to my doctor.
After reading the ingredients, he explained to me what each of them are, what they do and that there should be no adverse side effects or harmful interaction with my meds. He told me he saw no reasons why I couldn’t use the product. That was good enough for me!
That night I downed a shot of the aptly named (and surprisingly tasty) “Snoozeberry,” 30 minutes before bed. In no time, a pleasant, calming sensation washed over me and with that, I climbed into bed. Amazingly, I slept through the night and awoke feeling rested and ready for the day. I was sold! Mind you, with any supplement (natural or otherwise), while beneficial in proper doses, may be harmful if taken in excess.
This is why I reserve ‘Dream Water’ only on those occasions when I absolutely cannot sleep. However, I see no issue with taking it every night but I would still discuss it with your physician just the same. With that said, I highly recommend the product for a good night’s sleep.
James, I think everybody who takes meds should do what you did and run it past their doctor first. smart move!
I ordered Dream Water because I have a hard time sleeping. I have tried many things and nothing works. I am on an antidepressant, but until I read what you wrote I did not know that I shouldn’t be drinking it while on an antidepressant.
Yet I have to say I finished the first six shots in about two weeks. I want to not have to take it every day, but I want to sleep! It works like nothing else has worked for me! I love it! It is costly, but I love it. I have no side effects except the ones I want to have, like making me sleep and calming me down when I am stressed out.
In the past I have asked doctors about supplements being taken with my other medicines and they do not even bother to read the ingredients because most doctors do not like supplements because they are not approved by the FDA. So I know that if I ask my doctor he will probably tell me not to take this, but it works! I need to sleep!
Works like a charm. Bought a 24-pack via a Groupon, and while I typically only take it once a week when I feel like I am behind on sleep, it seems to work wonderfully. No side effects so far, feel nice and relaxed the following morning. Worth noting that I don’t take any prescription medication such as anti-depressants or other possible drugs with potential negative interactions mentioned previously.
Glad to have found this forum! I just opened an order from cvs.com and a 2 pack of dream water was in it! I did not order this nor will I be drinking it! My next email is to CVS.com
I just found dream water being sold for a buck at Ralphs in the bargain bin. Took it last night and let me tell you this. It does just what it says. Sure I want to sleep like 12 hours but….it makes you dream thats for damn sure and it makes you sleep like a baby.
I think I was just tired the next day from getting too much sleep. Next time I’ll put the alarm clock on and get to bed a little earlier…I took it at 12, went to bed at 130 and woke up at 11, so maybe if wasn’t all that bad….no cramps or anything bad like that.
Nick, interesting that you found it for a dollar in the “bargan bin.” Guess dream water is losing some of its appeal with people?
I actually took this at the airport to calm my nerves (found out I was flying on a prop plane). Within 30 minutes I was completely relaxed. It didn’t make me fall asleep…but I am sure if I was in a place with a comfy pillow I may have. 🙂
Suzan, Im glad Dream Water helped you. I’d be a wee bit nervous on a prop plane too 🙂
I took it once and i fell asleep almost immediately the only problem was i couldn’t wake up for the next 48 hours or so and missed a day and a half of work because i could not wake up. Dangerous stuff
Hey Joe,
So I took a half a bottle the other night & felt drowsy around 20 min later. I was able to pass out & sleep the whole night. I also had a piece of bread just because I have a sensitive stomach & to my surprise, I woke up feeling great with no stomach issues!
That following night, I took the rest of the half because I didn’t want to waste it & I was able to fall asleep perfectly with no complications.
I guess it’s okay & the fact that I do take SeroquelXR (200mg) & Prozac (80mg), I had no complications, but it’s probably safer to not take Dream Water a lot.
Karen, happy Dream Water helped you and I am inclined to agree its best not to take it a lot given the medications you said you were taking.
I just bought a bottle. I take depression/anxiety (SeroquelXR/Prozac) medication but sometimes I cannot sleep due to feeling sad. I’ll try at the most, half a bottle tonight. Hopefully I don’t get sick.
I hope you are ok Karen.
Dream Water is a rip-off product!! 24 pack for $71.99?!? Melatonin is very very cheap and so is everything else in their bottles. You are paying for their salaries not the ingredients.
You can buy a 120 caplet melatonin from your local CVS or Wal-Mart for around $4.00 and that will last you several months and get the job done even better because they come in various milligram strengths.
Dream Water is a rip-off.
I bought dream water at the airport cause I can’t sleep on a plane & I get anxiety. I took a sip and was drowsy in 10 minutes. I drank 1/2 of the shot size and slept about 3/4 of my flight which was 5 hours.
I was home at midnight and slept 7 hours straight only waking from being wet 2x from sweat. I did have a lot of vivid weird dreams. I wouldn’t take it all the time but it works especially for flying.
Oh, by the way, I purchased this from a Groupon (2 cases, for 9.00 (I had a $15 off coupon), so the original price from groupon was 24.00 (normal 72.00?)
So I got a good deal. It arrived in the mail today and now I’m concerned about taking it due to the high blood pressure. (Meds)
Hi, I take high blood pressure medication. Do you think this is a safe supplement for me to take? I’m a generally healthy, 45 yr old female.
Michelle, take it to your pharmacist or doctor and ask them. 5HTP can cause an increase in blood pressure in some people if it leads to serotonin syndrome. your doctor /pharmacist can give you a much better idea of if its ok to take or not with your blood pressure meds
Today is my 2nd day drinking Dream Water, and it’s really working for me. Yesterday, I used the Dream Water at 11:30, and went to sleep around 12. I wake up at 8 in the morning naturally, or it’s because of the garbage truck outside…. anyway, I had a good night sleep, dreamless. and really fresh up in the morning! love it! and I’ll keep using it~ I’ll post if i feel any side effects in the future
I tried Dream Water last night at 10 pm. I didn’t fall asleep until 4 am. My feet were shaking and I kept tossing and turning. My eyes were tried, but my body wasn’t. I felt more awake then I did during the day.
Tried this stuff and I was a zombie for two days. I find it to be very expensive. You can get Melantonin really cheap in the store and Tryptophan which I find helps me sleep from swansonvitamins.
I have tried it twice it did seem to help me get to sleep. No side affects. But the important thing to remember is everyone different also be safe try a half dose first see how u react you can always take the other half…
I suffer from insomnia and needed to try something other than prescription drugs that make me feel groggy in the morning. I desperately need sleep, so that my days are productive. I have tried it a few times and for the most part I think I’m a fan.
I have been taking this product off and on for about a month. Sometimes I have a lot of trouble sleeping, dream water works. I can pretty much guarantee going to sleep within 30 minutes of drinking it. I am allergic to many things, as everybody is different, but I have no side effects from dream water.