Are Your Medications Affecting Sleep At Night?

Published: Dec 01, 2023
Updated: Sep 06, 2024
Are Your Medications Affecting Sleep At Night?
In this article
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    8 min

    Struggling to sleep? It might be due to your medications. Learn about common medications affecting sleep.

    Cold and allergy meds with pseudoephedrine, ‘non-drowsy’ antihistamines, and oral steroids for allergies can delay or fragment sleep. Antidepressants lengthen stage 1 sleep and reduce REM sleep. Beta-blockers may cause daytime sleepiness. Corticosteroids and dopamine agonists disrupt sleep architecture.

    Be aware of these effects and consult your doctor for help. Join us as we explore managing medication-induced sleep problems.

    Key Takeaways
    Cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine, antihistamines marketed as non-drowsy, oral steroid drugs, and cough suppressants can cause insomnia.
    SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, can disrupt sleep by lengthening stage 1 sleep and reducing REM sleep. The effectiveness of SSRIs in improving sleep varies.
    Beta-blockers, especially fat-soluble ones, can disrupt sleep and cause daytime sleepiness. They can also decrease melatonin production, impacting the sleep-wake cycle.
    Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and prednisolone, commonly used for inflammation, can disrupt sleep patterns and the sleep-wake cycle.

    Medications That Cause Insomnia

    Several medications can cause insomnia, disrupting your sleep patterns and making it difficult for you to get a restful night’s sleep. These medications that can cause insomnia include:

    • Cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine
    • Antihistamines marketed as non-drowsy or containing a decongestant
    • Oral steroid drugs used for severe allergies
    • The cough suppressant dextromethorphan

    SSRIs, which are commonly used as antidepressants, can also affect sleep by lengthening stage 1 sleep and reducing REM sleep. Beta blockers, medications used to treat high blood pressure, can cause sleep disturbances due to their impact on the heart rate. Additionally, corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and dopamine agonists used for Parkinson’s disease can disrupt sleep patterns.

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    Effects of SSRIs on Sleep

    SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a type of medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. While they can be effective in improving mood, they can also have an impact on your sleep.

    SSRIs can cause sleep problems such as insomnia and sleep disturbance. They can lengthen stage 1 sleep and reduce REM sleep, which is important for restorative rest. However, the effects of SSRIs on sleep can vary from person to person and depend on the specific medication.

    It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing sleep problems while taking SSRIs, as they may be able to suggest adjustments to your medication or provide additional support for managing your sleep.

    effects of ssris on sleep
medications affecting sleep

    Impact of Beta Blockers on Sleep

    Beta-blockers can significantly disrupt your sleep patterns. These common medications, which are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, can have a negative impact on your sleep. Here are some key points to understand about the impact of beta blockers on sleep:

    • Beta-blockers can cause insomnia: These medications can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to sleep issues.
    • Certain beta blockers are more likely to affect sleep: Fat-soluble beta-blockers, such as propranolol and metoprolol, have been found to disrupt sleep more than water-soluble beta blockers.
    • Beta-blockers can decrease melatonin production: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. By reducing melatonin levels, beta blockers can further impact your sleep.

    If you’re taking beta blockers and experiencing sleep problems, it’s important to discuss these concerns with your doctor. They may be able to adjust your medication or provide strategies to help improve your sleep.

    Sleep Disruption From Corticosteroids

    Corticosteroids disrupt your sleep patterns by affecting your body’s hormone production. These medications, such as prednisone and prednisolone, can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Insomnia is a common side effect of corticosteroids, and it can greatly impact your quality of sleep.

    The exact mechanism by which corticosteroids disrupt sleep isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed that they may alter the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, corticosteroids can cause increased energy levels and restlessness, making it difficult for you to relax and sleep.

    Suppose you’re experiencing trouble sleeping while taking corticosteroids. In that case, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor, as they may be able to offer strategies or alternative medications to help mitigate the sleep disruption.

    Other Medications and Sleep Disturbance

    If you’re taking medications that aren’t corticosteroids, they can also have an impact on your sleep patterns. These medications can cause sleep disturbance and contribute to insomnia or other sleep problems.

    Here are some examples:

    • Cold and allergy medications containing pseudoephedrine can interfere with sleep due to their stimulating effects.
    • Certain headache medications containing caffeine can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle.
    • Herbal remedies such as ginseng and St. John’s wort may cause insomnia.
    • Nicotine patches can interfere with sleep due to their stimulating effects.
    Other Medications and Sleep Disturbance
medications affecting sleep

    Tips for Managing Medication-Induced Sleep Problems

    To manage sleep problems caused by medication, you can take certain steps to improve your sleep quality. Here are some tips for managing medication-induced sleep problems:

    1. Consult your doctor: Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential sleep impacts of the medications you are taking. They can provide guidance and suggest alternatives if necessary.

    2. Research your medication: Take the time to understand the effects of your prescription and over-the-counter medications on sleep. Knowledge about your medication can help you make informed decisions and better manage any sleep disturbances.

    3. Adjust timing or dosage: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of adjusting the timing or dose of your medication. Sometimes, simple changes can alleviate sleep problems.

    4. Consider switching medications: If a specific drug within a class of medications is causing sleep difficulties, ask your doctor about alternatives that may have fewer sleep-related side effects.

    5. Comprehensive sleep evaluation: Don’t jump to conclusions and assume a medication is causing insomnia without a thorough sleep evaluation. Consult a sleep specialist if necessary.

    Treatment Options for Medication-Related Insomnia

    To manage medication-related insomnia, there are several treatment options available that can help improve your sleep quality.

    Non-pharmacological approaches:

    • Sleep hygiene practices: Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensure a comfortable sleep environment.
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I): This therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to insomnia.

    Pharmacological interventions:

    • Medications for insomnia: Your doctor may prescribe sleep medications, such as benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, to help you sleep better.
    • Adjusting medication timing: Your doctor may recommend taking certain medications earlier in the day to minimize their impact on sleep.

    It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss which treatment options are best suited for your specific medication-related insomnia.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact that certain medications can have on your sleep. By managing medication-related sleep problems, you can improve the quality of your sleep and overall well-being.

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    FAQ

    Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, asthma medications, and certain antidepressants, can disrupt sleep and cause difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep.

    Over-the-counter sleep medications often contain antihistamines, which can lead to drowsiness and improve sleep onset. However, they may also cause side effects such as next-day drowsiness and can disrupt the normal sleep cycle.

    Yes, prescription medications used to treat various conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, depression, and ADHD can also have an impact on sleep. It's essential to discuss any sleep-related side effects with your healthcare provider.

    Many medications can affect the different stages of the sleep cycle, including deep sleep and REM sleep. Some medications may lead to difficulties in reaching deep sleep, while others can cause disruptions in REM sleep, impacting overall sleep quality.

    If you suspect that your medication is affecting your sleep, consult with your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting the dosage, changing the time of day you take the medication, or exploring alternative treatment options.

    Yes, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can be effective in addressing sleep troubles caused by medications. CBT-I focuses on improving sleep habits and addressing the cognitive factors contributing to sleep difficulties.

    In addition to seeking medical advice, maintaining good sleep hygiene, practicing relaxation techniques, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help improve your sleep while taking medications that affect sleep.

    While medications used to treat insomnia can be effective, they may also cause side effects such as next-day drowsiness, changes in sleep patterns, and the potential for dependency. It's important to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks with your healthcare provider.

    Yes, chronic insomnia can be exacerbated by certain medications, leading to ongoing sleep troubles. It's advisable to discuss any persistent sleep issues with your healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and management.

    Some medications, especially those that can lead to muscle relaxation or sedation, may exacerbate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, including episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep. If you have concerns about the association between your medications and sleep apnea, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.

    Cole J. L. (2020). Steroid-Induced Sleep Disturbance and Delirium: A Focused Review for Critically Ill Patients. Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS37(6), 260–267.

    Fares A. (2011). Night-time exogenous melatonin administration may be a beneficial treatment for sleeping disorders in beta blocker patients. Journal of cardiovascular disease research, 2(3), 153–155. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-3583.85261

    Sutter Health (n.d.) Insomnia and SSRI Medications [online]. https://www.sutterhealth.org/ask-an-expert/answers/insomnia-ssri-medications

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