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 regularly take 5 mg of Ambien to get any sleep at all, but would like to not have to. I got a bottle of DW and when I could see sleep wasn’t happening at 2am I drank half a bottle. Within about 15 min I felt pleasantly drowsy and headed for bed.
After getting in bed I felt slightly short of breath, my legs hurt, and I was having some palpitations. I got up and sat in a recliner and fell asleep. I had horrible unsettling nightmares. On my way back to bed at 6am I poured the other half down the drain.
And for you travelers, it is never a good idea to try a new drug or product for the first time getting on a long flight. They can’t exactly turn around or stop somewhere in the middle of the Pacific if you have a bad reaction.
Susie, that’s actually a good point about traveling over seas. sorry you went through what you did. I think you are the first to say dream water caused heart palpitations.
We are looking for a sleep aid, but not with Melatonin. Both of us seem to have MORE nightmares and not happy during wake hours, irritable and tense whenever Melatonin is used. Even with different dosages. I have a medical MJ card and it works well for PTSD, Bi-polar, and getting to sleep initially, but not for staying asleep. He does not use MJ and has to be awake and alert in the AM for work. Do you have a version of this drink w/o the Melatonin?
Hi Susan, you might try calling the maker of Dream Water to see if they do. Im not sure if they do or not.
Cindy I had a similar response to Brittnie. I had trouble breathing, sudden congestion and increased heart rate. I only took half a bottle and some water. No previous medications, alcohol, etc. I felt like I was having a reaction/allergic reaction to the substance. I drank a lot more water and had very little sleep that night. Felt horrible and tired the next day.
Dream water does not work and is a waste of money. I took it last night and didn’t go to sleep til after 4am.
A friend of mine gives a capful to her 4-yr old daughter (active, busy daughter) to help her wind down, an hour before bed. She said it helps, as they can really see her winding down and getting ‘sleepy.’ Before this tactic, the daughter would be up until about 11 PM before she would crash. Thoughts? I have a very busy 6 yr old.
Jen, I wouldn’t give dream water to kids.
Joe, what can you recomend for 2 year old???
Olana, no supplements, just patience.
I do a lot of traveling and getting a good night’s sleep is a challenge.
On my current trip, I decided to try a sample of Dream Water. Drank 1/2 of the smaller bottle. The other half was used up by my wife.
We both had a great sleep- close to 8 rested hours.
It’s been a while since we BOTH experience a long good night’s sleep (April in Hawaii).
We will be trying Dream Water again.
Anyone who has been having diarrhea it is because serotonin or the 5 HTP is pretty much a synthetic additive to the hormon serotonin that is already naturally release in ur intestinal tract.. Reduce the amount of DW your consuming an this should reduce ur chances of an accident occurring.
Does your computer not have google? 5-HTP is turned into serotonin in your body and is produced from tryptophan. Put a little more effort into your research.
Steven, I did say 5 HTP can raise serotonin levels so I think I already said that. Regardless, I doubt highly if tryptophan or 5 HTP / serotonin will have a significant effect on sleep. It’s the melatonin that is the main active ingredient.
my son has insomnia from ADHD medication, he is 12. He took half a bottle of my Dream Water, and it helps him sleep. I tried it for my insomnia and the first time go tthe best sleep I had in years, no morning sleepiness. I bought a bunch of it, but after reading some of this, I may cut back as it may not be safe for long term use.
Maybe you should take your son off the medication that’s not letting him get any sleep in the first place, or at least lower the dosage. Sounds awful unhealthy to me.
Maybe *you* should refrain from giving medcal advice on prescription drugs anonymously. Sounds awefully deceptive and immodest to *me* You obviously don’t understand that all medical interventions involve a tradeoff between therapeutic and side-effects. /ADHD sufferer
Emanuel, do you mean me? I believe you misread what I wrote. I’m not giving medical advice but rather pointing out that people who have health issues or take medications should talk to their doctor first. So many people assume that “natural = safe” and it sounds like we both know that isn’t always true. It is safest to talk to a doctor or pharmacist first rather than take something because its “natural” or because an anonymous someone on the internet said it helped their ADHD or any other condition. For what its worth, I’m not anonymous and I actually said talk to your doctor twice in my review of dream water. I hope that clears up where I’m coming from and what I’m trying to accomplish.
How about for a long flight? I’m about to take a 16 hours flight and believe this could help. No?
Anonymous, it might help you sleep better. on that long flight. Melatonin does have jet lag research. Have fun on your trip!
I tried half a shot after getting a free sample at an expo & it knocked me out within 30 minutes, for about 9 hours of Zzzz. I must be sensitive to its “blend” as usually natural aids take a while to kick in. Yet, I was very pleased. I did not feel like my head was a ton of bricks the next morning, which is usually what 3-5 mg of melatonin alone will do. I think that for occasional insomnia, I would definitely try it again.
I have used this probduct for over a month now the first time I used it I used the entire bottle which proved to be to much for me…for those who are getting that groggy feeling try a half a shot and that may help.
I took dream water last night and slept well, but this am I was in the middle of an exercise class and had to run out I had a bad bout of diarrhea then got home threw up and got the diarrhea again. Have you ever heard of this effect?
Kenya, Ive never heard of that happening with Dream Water. Hard to say if both are related or not?
I have been having trouble staying asleep lately so I thought I would try the “all natural” dream water. So about 20 minutes after I finished it, I felt extremely groggy. I fell right to sleep but I still woke up a couple times during the night…with the bed spins. When I finally was able to pull myself out of bed for the day, I had the worst headache and my body ached.
I do not take any other medications and I do not have any health problems. I do not drink energy drinks but I do drink 2-3 cups of coffee daily. My fiance also tried the dream water and said he slept fine but the next day felt groggy until late afternoon. I definitely will not use this product again. I think I am going to try to just cut back on the coffee 🙂
I drank it and felt very groggy, but before I could go to bed I suddenly had heart palpitations so bad and scary I had to go to the e.r., I couldn’t breathe enough to keep up with my heart rate and was terrified I was gonna pass out.
My boyfriend said I looked like I was dying and was scared for me. I don’t drink caffeine or take any other supplements. I thought it was a panic attack at first and took 2 mg of klonopin, also I was trying to bear down which is a breathing and heart rate control trick. I obviously had a bad reaction but don’t know what to.
brittnie, sorry that happend to you and I do hope you are ok now! On my supplements question page http://supplementclarity.com/supplement-questions/ I show you how to access the FDA adverse reporting form and you can also call the FDA at 888-723-3366. I hope some of this helps Brittnie
I am a hopeless insomniac. So I was excited about the dream water.
I bought just 1bottle at this point to only try n get to no the program.
I have to add that even with a 10 mg ambien I still only sleep 2-4 hours anyway. So yesterday I took it with my ambien and it worked great.
I was put into rem, I dreamed odd dreams. So hey peeps, I think this is assume. The first time I tried a small amount with ambien n I got 2 hours sleep. The second time I tried dream water I got 5 hours of sleep a very deep sleep with dreams.
Would rather take 3-500 mg doses of divalproex and not sleep or one half dose of dm? Bipolar is manic depressive. My daughter and I deal with this on a daily basis. This OTC allows her to relax and sleep!
Thanks for this review, which I just found on my girlfriend’s iPad. She gave me a shot of this last night which I took with some neuro sleep as I have had difficulties sleeping this week due to a job loss. I tried the neuro sleep last night and it did nothing.
I am healthy and take no medications but did have a glass of red wine with a late dinner after a spin class. I went to bed at 10 after taking this and fell asleep almost instantly while trying to read. I did wake up once (I blame the dog) but had lots of dreams and found this to be my most relaxing and refreshing sleep in a long time. I awoke a little later than usual (sans alarm) but not overly groggy as some report.
So everybody’s physiology is different but I’m going to try this (for just a month) on my weekly ‘rest day’ for athletic training instead of Hammer REM caps which don’t work for me (though I’m a fan of their other products).
how has it worked so far? how long have you been using it for? daily? Happy that it works for you
The bout of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome in the 80s was caused by contamination of the tryptophan, not by the tryptophan itself…
http://general-medicine.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/1990/817/1
Mehdi, yes Im aware of that but there have been cases of EMS in people who did not use the contaminated tryptophian. On the EMS support network, the last sentence mentions this.
http://www.nemsn.org/Articles/truth_about_tryptophan.htm
I mention this stuff about tryptophan and EMS because its never mentioned in healthfood stores, websites or related publications. Most people dont even remember this happening. I think the people who died should be remembered. In any event, whoever is right, I see no good reason for most people to use tryptophan supplements.
I am an insomniac and bought DW a while back to use at some point. I found it worked quite well for OTC substance. It did take quite a while to work perhaps 90 min and made me feel relaxed not really groggy. I woke up a couple of times during the night like I usually do but got about 6 1/2 hours and felt fine when I got up.
I find 025 Xanax works best for me, but currently out of Rx and try not to take it every day but all of you know how bad not sleeping is. Great info on this site. Thanks and good luck. Everyone has different reaction to any kind of drugs.
I will try again. It is pricey for one dose though – that is downside.