Are your medications interfering with your sleep?

In my practice, I see that many people aren’t aware of the connection between the medications they are taking and the sleep challenges they are experiencing. 

Here are just some examples of common medications that may interfere with your sleep, either by means of stimulation (insomnia) or sedation (daytime fatigue and grogginess), hormonal changes, or disruption to your sleep architecture:

• Cold and flu medications with decongestants
• Corticosteroids for allergies, inflammation, autoimmune conditions etc.
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Beta-blockers for blood pressure
• Antidepressants such as SSRIs
• ADHD medications
• Parkinson’s medications
• Sleeping pills (and Melatonin)
• Nicotine Replacement Products
• Diuretics
• Ozempic for diabetes / weight loss

If you do take one of these medications and are indeed experiencing sleep challenges such as insomnia, increased nightmares or excessive daytime fatigue, I encourage you to bring this up to your prescribing physicians and explore adjustments or alternatives. Sometimes, it may just be a matter of timing, and knowing when to take your medications and supplements can be a total game-changer. 

I do not recommend a client whether to go on or off a medication as it is outside my scope of practice. However, through sharing knowledge and research, I aim to empower my clients with the curiosity to ask their doctor the right questions, to self advocate, and to continuously explore what is complementing or limiting how they live their lives.