Colin Snow
Allergy pills often contain antihistamines, which can cause drowsiness. While this is usually an unwanted side effect, some people use allergy medication as a sleep aid. However, experts advise against this, as antihistamines can lead to several side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and a drop in blood pressure. Additionally, they may not improve overall sleep quality and can cause hyperactivity in children. Furthermore, long-term use of antihistamines may lead to harmful side effects and increase the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, while allergy pills may help with occasional sleep issues, they are not recommended as a long-term solution for insomnia or sleep disorders.
Can I take allergy pills to sleep?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Some sources say antihistamines may help you fall asleep, but overall sleep quality is usually not very good. Other sources claim that there is no difference between the drug group and the placebo group in the time needed to fall asleep. |
| Side effects | Dry mouth, constipation, retention of urine in the bladder, blurred vision, drop of blood pressure upon standing, grogginess, confusion, memory loss, altered mental state, sleepwalking, hyperactivity (especially in children), dizziness, and a "hangover effect" that makes you sleepy the next morning. |
| Tolerance | Many people develop a tolerance to antihistamines very quickly. |
| Safety | The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine does not recommend the use of antihistamines for chronic insomnia. Prolonged use of antihistamines may lead to harmful side effects, especially in older adults. |
| Alternatives | Alternative sleep aids like melatonin, good sleep hygiene, and cognitive behavioral therapy. |
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What You'll Learn
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness and sleepwalking
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies and cold symptoms. While they can make you feel drowsy, it is not recommended to use them as a sleep aid due to potential side effects and limited effectiveness.
Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine in the body, which is a chemical that plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle. As histamine levels in the brain decrease when preparing for sleep, blocking its effects can induce non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM). This is why antihistamines can cause drowsiness and make people sleepy, even when they are not sick.
However, using antihistamines solely as a sleep aid is generally discouraged by experts. While they may help with falling asleep, they do not necessarily improve overall sleep quality. Additionally, they can cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and altered mental state. These side effects can be particularly risky for elderly individuals, leading to grogginess, confusion, and memory loss and an increased risk of falling.
Furthermore, antihistamines can cause sleepwalking and other parasomnias. Prolonged use of antihistamines can also lead to tolerance, reducing their effectiveness over time. Additionally, there is a lack of research supporting the long-term use of antihistamines as sleep aids, and they may pose potential risks, especially for older adults.
Instead of relying on antihistamines for sleep, it is recommended to practice good sleep hygiene, such as using the bed specifically for sleep and avoiding activities like watching television in bed. For those with chronic insomnia, consulting a medical professional is advised, as they can recommend prescribed sleep aids or alternative treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
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Side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and memory loss
While antihistamines may help you fall asleep, they are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, and memory loss. Dry mouth is a common side effect of antihistamines, along with other symptoms such as dizziness and a "hangover effect," leaving you feeling sleepy the next day. While these side effects are generally mild and well-tolerated in healthy, young patients, they can pose risks, especially for the elderly.
Additionally, antihistamines can cause blurred vision and a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Diphenhydramine, a common antihistamine, has a half-life of 9 hours in adults and 13.5 hours in the elderly, which means its effects can linger long after waking up. This can lead to grogginess, confusion, and memory loss, especially in older adults. Anticholinergic drugs, including some antihistamines, can inhibit acetylcholine action in the central and peripheral nervous system, impacting short-term memory and thinking.
A 2021 review of 14 studies found that taking anticholinergic medications increased the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with higher exposure correlating to a higher risk. While occasional use of over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine is generally considered safe, long-term use may increase the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Therefore, while antihistamines may provide short-term relief from insomnia, they are not recommended as a long-term solution due to their potential side effects on memory and overall health.
It is always advisable to consult a physician or sleep specialist to address chronic insomnia, as it could result from underlying medical issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or circadian rhythm disorders. While antihistamines may offer temporary relief, addressing the root cause of sleep disturbances through professional guidance is crucial for long-term improvement in sleep quality.
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Long-term use may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's
While antihistamines may help you fall asleep, they do not improve overall sleep quality. Moreover, they can sometimes have the opposite effect and cause hyperactivity, especially in children. For example, Benadryl, a commonly used antihistamine, is known to cause drowsiness, which may help you fall asleep. However, using medication to induce sleep is generally not recommended due to the associated side effects and risks, especially in the elderly.
Antihistamines, particularly older-generation ones like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are anticholinergic drugs. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for brain functions, including learning and memory. As a result, anticholinergic drugs can cause confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, sedation, and an increased risk of falls in older people.
Long-term use of anticholinergic drugs has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. A study found that people who used anticholinergic drugs for three years or more had a 54% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who used them for three months or less. Another study tracked nearly 3,500 men and women aged 65 and older and found that those who used anticholinergic drugs were more likely to develop dementia. While these studies do not prove that anticholinergic drugs cause dementia, the association suggests that long-term use may increase the risk.
Additionally, anticholinergic drugs can have stronger effects on older individuals due to age-related changes in the body. With age, the kidneys and liver clear drugs more slowly, resulting in higher drug levels in the blood for extended periods. Older adults also tend to take more prescription and over-the-counter medications, which can interact with each other, further influencing their effectiveness.
If you are considering using antihistamines to aid sleep, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. There are alternative treatments for allergies, such as topical nasal sprays and allergy shots, that can be prescribed by a medical professional. Additionally, if you are experiencing insomnia, it is recommended to consult a physician or sleep disorders specialist to address the underlying causes, which may include medical issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or circadian rhythm disorders.
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Alternatives include melatonin, sleep hygiene, and CBT
While allergy pills may help you fall asleep due to their sedating antihistamine effects, they are not recommended as a long-term solution. Side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, low blood pressure, grogginess, confusion, and memory loss. Additionally, the sleep induced by antihistamines is often of poor quality, and tolerance to their sleep-inducing effects can develop within just two weeks.
Instead, consider the following alternatives:
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the body to help control the sleep-wake cycle. Unlike antihistamines, melatonin supplements don't directly make you sleepy but promote sleep by helping melatonin levels rise. Melatonin is available in short- and long-acting forms, with the latter potentially reducing the number of times people wake up after falling asleep. It is typically recommended to take melatonin one hour before bedtime. However, it may cause side effects such as nausea, headaches, and daytime sleepiness, and some studies suggest it may lower sperm counts. Therefore, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking melatonin supplements.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to forming good sleep habits. This includes practices such as using the bed solely for sleep and avoiding falling asleep with the television or radio on. Other recommendations include keeping the bedroom temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining a consistent bedtime.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a nondrug therapy that can help improve sleep by addressing particular issues that keep you awake. During CBT, a therapist helps you identify and manage stressors that disrupt your sleep. They teach you skills and exercises to calm your mind and fall asleep more easily. CBT typically involves five to ten visits to a therapist, and consistent practice of the learned techniques can help improve your sleep quality.
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Steroid nasal sprays are a recommended first medicine
Steroid nasal sprays, also known as corticosteroid nasal sprays, are anti-inflammatory medicines that are sprayed into the nose. They are a recommended first medicine for allergies because they are safe for all adults and some are safe for children (aged 2 and older). They can be used to treat a range of allergy-induced conditions, including hay fever, sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, and nasal polyps. Steroid nasal sprays are also safe for pregnant women, although it is advised to consult a doctor before use.
Steroid nasal sprays are available to purchase from pharmacies and shops, or via prescription, depending on the brand. They are usually safe to use without causing any significant side effects when used correctly and at normal doses. However, it is important to read the package leaflet and follow the dosing instructions carefully. Most corticosteroid sprays recommend washing your hands, blowing your nose, shaking the container, keeping your head upright, and breathing out before administering the spray. Block one nostril and insert the nasal applicator into the other, aiming for the outer wall of the nostril. Inhale slowly and press the spray applicator, repeating for the other nostril.
For hay fever, it is recommended to start using steroid nasal sprays 1-2 weeks before the expected onset of symptoms, as they can take a few days to work. Regular and long-term use of steroid nasal sprays is generally advised, even when symptoms improve, to maintain their effectiveness. Steroid nasal sprays are different from other nasal sprays as they work by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passageway, thereby relieving symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and swelling.
While steroid nasal sprays are a recommended first medicine for allergies, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about their usage.
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Frequently asked questions
Allergy pills, or antihistamines, can cause drowsiness, which is often a welcome side effect for those suffering from allergies. However, it is not recommended to take them solely as a sleep aid due to the risk of long-term side effects and the potential for developing a tolerance.
Side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, retention of urine in the bladder, blurred vision, a drop in blood pressure, grogginess, confusion, and memory loss. Antihistamines may also cause hyperactivity, especially in children, and can lead to parasomnias such as sleepwalking.
Yes, alternatives include steroid nasal sprays, nasal decongestant sprays, and nasal decongestant pills or liquids. It is always recommended to consult a physician or sleep specialist to address any sleep problems, as they may recommend prescription sleep aids or suggest improving sleep hygiene.
Yes, alternatives to allergy pills and prescription sleep aids include melatonin and cognitive behavioural therapy. Improving your sleep hygiene, such as reducing blue light exposure and only using your bed for sleep, can also help improve sleep quality.
