9 Prescription and OTC Medications That Can Interfere With Sleep
Certain medications may be interfering with your ability to sleep well. Commonly prescribed drugs, including those for asthma, ADHD, and depression, as well as over-the-counter medications for conditions like nasal congestion, can disrupt sleep patterns. According to Dr. Andrew Spector, an associate professor of neurology at Duke University, these medications often increase neurotransmitters that promote wakefulness or block those that induce sleep. For example, beta-blockers, often prescribed for heart conditions, can reduce melatonin production, which is crucial for regulating sleep. Similarly, some antidepressants like SSRIs can either disrupt sleep or have a sedative effect, varying greatly from person to person. Corticosteroids, used for their anti-inflammatory properties, may disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, particularly if taken later in the day. ADHD medications can either cause insomnia or help with sleep, depending on the individual.
Over-the-counter medications can also affect sleep. Decongestants, caffeine-containing headache medications, and certain herbal remedies like St. John’s wort and ginseng have been known to cause sleep problems. Nicotine patches, often used to help quit smoking, are another surprising source of sleep disruption due to their stimulating effects.
To mitigate these issues, Dr. Spector recommends getting a comprehensive sleep evaluation to identify the root cause of sleep disturbances. It’s also crucial to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects of your medications and explore alternatives or adjustments, such as changing the time you take your medication. Maintaining good sleep hygiene, like following a regular sleep-wake schedule and avoiding stimulants before bed, can also help improve sleep quality.
