When Your Medication Causes Sleep Problems

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

24 Feb 2009 05:58 PM

When I was trying to clear up my clogged ear, I picked up a variety of decongestants to try. My family doctor suggested traditional Sudafed -- made with pseudoephedrine, which can be hard to get in some areas.

The Sudafed worked, but caused a different problem: I had trouble sleeping. Most nights, I'd wake up every few hours -- instead of sleeping straight through like I normally do. The doc had warned me that the decongestant might cause problems sleeping, and suggested that I only take it in the mornings (instead of twice per day as indicated on the package). But I was in a hurry to get my ear cleared, so I took the Sudafed twice daily.

Medications come with a laundry list of side effects, and sometimes the cure seems worse than the problem! Here are some tips that might help if your medications are wreaking havoc with your nights.

If a prescription medication is the culprit:

• DON'T just stop your medication cold turkey. Your doctor gave you that particular medication for a reason. Stopping it without a doctor's approval may do you more harm than good.
• Talk to your doctor about your problem. There may be an alternate version of the same medication that comes with different side effects. There may be a different medication that treats the same problem without the insomnia.
• Ask about sleep aids. An over the counter or prescription sleep aid may help get you through the adjustment period for your medication. Just make sure your doctor or pharmacist approves your choice -- you don't want a medication that will interact negatively with your prescription.

If an over the counter medication is the culprit:

• Talk to your pharmacist. They may be able to suggest an alternate medication that comes without the sleep problems.
• Take a look at natural sleep aids. That warm glass of milk gramma offered might do the trick. You might have some luck with a warm bath before bed, or some gentle aromatherapy (like lavender or chamomile) to help you relax. Sip chamomile or valerian tea.
• Try some relaxation. Reading an old favorite book, taking a bath before bed, or curling up with a cup of tea might help settle your mind and body at bedtime.
• Try taking your medicine at a different time. Maybe right before bed isn't the best choice -- you might sleep better taking your medication in the afternoon or morning.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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