Does Ginger Make You Sleepy?

Ginger is a spice and natural remedy obtained from the root of Zingiber officinale. This plant's medicinal use dates back thousands of years in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Most commonly, ginger is a remedy for nausea. Although this herb may settle an upset stomach, the stimulating properties of ginger will likely increase circulation and ward off fatigue, which is why the herb is often described as “warming.” Ginger is unlikely to make you sleepy as its primary effect, although it may relieve pain or discomfort that interferes with sleep. Ask your doctor before using ginger if you take medications, have a chronic medical condition or are pregnant or nursing.

Historical Use

In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, ginger has a wide range of applications. It is used to stimulate digestion, restore vitality, enhance cardiac function, promote sweating, reduce symptoms of cold or flu and address the consequences of a hangover. The ancient Greeks relied on ginger root to neutralize poisons, while Henry VIII believed the herb was a cure for Bubonic plague.

Composition

Ginger consists of various alkaloids responsible for the pungent aroma and taste of the root, collectively referred to as gingerols, shogaols and gingerdiols. The composition of the volatile oil varies considerably depending on the environment from which the root sample originates, but generally contains zingiberene, arcurcumene, geranial, linalool and farnesene.

Anti-Nausea Effects

The anti-nausea properties of ginger are due to gingerols and shogaols. Although these compounds act on the central nervous system like many other antiemetic medicines do, ginger’s effects are local to the gastrointestinal tract and are not likely to make you sleepy. However, if postoperative nausea is keeping you awake, ginger may help. A study published in the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" in 2006 shows that ginger reduces nausea and vomiting in the first 24 hours after surgery.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ginger is reputed to relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis that might interfere with sleep. Although the National Institutes of Health says there is not enough evidence to validate this claim, the “Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines” states that compounds in ginger root clearly possess the ability to block pain receptors and immune system chemicals involved in producing inflammation.

Safety Precautions

Ginger may help to deter morning sickness in pregnancy. However, do not use of any medicine during pregnancy, including herbal therapies, without first discussing it with your health care provider. Ginger interacts with other medications, so consult your doctor before using this herb if you take blood thinners, calcium channel blockers or diabetes drugs.