Melatonin and ibuprofen are two commonly used over-the-counter choices for temporary relief. Melatonin is recognized as a sleep supplement but does not function as a sedative like a sleep aid. Instead, melatonin assists your body in recalibrating your sleep/wake cycle. Unlike painkillers such as opioids that block pain receptors, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen alleviates pain by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing pain and inflammation in your body.
While combining prescription sleep aids and painkillers is dangerous, it is safe to take melatonin and ibuprofen simultaneously. According to Drugs.com, there are no potential interactions between these two drugs. However, ensure to verify the label of your ibuprofen because the “PM” versions of these NSAIDs contain diphenhydramine to aid sleep. Taking a PM version of ibuprofen with melatonin could lead to a moderate interaction, potentially resulting in increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking.
Interestingly, ibuprofen might influence your natural melatonin levels. An older study in Physiology and Behavior indicated that taking ibuprofen reduced individuals’ body temperature (which can facilitate sleep) but also reduced their melatonin levels. Thus, taking melatonin and ibuprofen can promote sleep while alleviating pain.
Melatonin might work well with your ibuprofen
If you’re enduring an injury or chronic pain, you understand how challenging it can be to sleep. Sometimes you may find a comfortable position temporarily, but as you begin to doze off, your body shifts and the pain resurfaces. However, NSAIDs could disrupt your sleep, as suggested by an older study in Physiology and Behavior. Both aspirin and ibuprofen were associated with more frequent awakenings and reduced sleep efficiency (the percentage of time spent actually sleeping while in bed). Ibuprofen also made falling asleep more difficult. Although an NSAID with a sleep aid is an option, it can leave you feeling groggy the next morning. Moreover, sleep aids like diphenhydramine may have significant interactions with other prescription drugs.
Melatonin can serve as a useful adjunct to your NSAID. Women experiencing painful periods (dysmenorrhea) may consider melatonin or meloxicam (a prescription NSAID similar to ibuprofen) to assist with sleep. In a 2018 study in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health, both melatonin and meloxicam improved sleep efficiency. The study also found that both drugs shortened the time it took to fall asleep while relieving pain symptoms, with melatonin proving more effective than meloxicam.
Melatonin and ibuprofen aren’t recommended for long-term use
While melatonin and ibuprofen can offer short-term solutions to pain-related sleep problems, caution is necessary when using either drug for extended periods. Occasional ibuprofen intake for a headache or temporary injury is permissible, but it’s advised not to exceed 1,200 milligrams within 24 hours unless directed by a doctor. The Arthritis Foundation advises against daily ibuprofen use for more than 10 days without a doctor’s consent. Prolonged ibuprofen use increases the risk of side effects like stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal issues. Remember, ibuprofen also has significant interactions with 97 drugs, according to Drugs.com, so ensure it is a safe choice for you.
Although melatonin is a supplement, it may interact with brexanolone, a treatment for postpartum depression. Smoking can reduce natural melatonin levels, while caffeine can increase them, so exercise caution with these substances when taking melatonin supplements. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, consulting a doctor or sleep specialist is advisable instead of long-term melatonin use. Both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American College of Physicians indicate that additional research is needed to assess melatonin’s effectiveness on chronic insomnia (via the National Institutes of Health). Long-term melatonin use is generally safe, but the Sleep Foundation notes that supplementing could potentially interfere with your body’s natural melatonin production.
