Diphenhydramine is a common antihistamine that is known to cause drowsiness and is often used as a sleep aid. While it can help people fall asleep faster, it does not necessarily lead to better quality sleep. In fact, it may even cause next-day sedation and other side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, poor focus, and forgetfulness. Additionally, long-term use of diphenhydramine may lead to harmful side effects, especially in older adults, and there is limited research on its effectiveness as a sleep aid. As such, experts recommend exploring alternative treatments for insomnia, such as improving sleep habits, cognitive behavioural therapy, or other natural sleep aids like melatonin or L-theanine.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Brand names | Nytol Original, Boots Sleepeaze, Benadryl, Drewell, Neoday |
Use | Relieves symptoms of allergies, short-term sleep problems, cough and cold symptoms, eczema, hives, insect bites and stings |
Dosage for short-term insomnia | 50mg, 20 minutes before bed |
Dosage for cough and cold symptoms | Depends on the type of medicine |
Dosage for hay fever and allergies | 25mg or 50mg, taken 3 or 4 times a day |
Dosage for insect bites, stings and eczema | Once or twice a day |
Side effects | Sleepiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, dry mouth, short-term memory loss, increased heart rate, difficulty urinating |
Safety concerns | May lead to dependence, may not be suitable for children, pregnant or nursing people |
What You'll Learn
- Diphenhydramine is a common antihistamine used to treat sleep problems
- Antihistamines are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects
- Alternatives to antihistamines for treating sleep problems include melatonin and L-theanine
- Antihistamines are commonly used as sleep aids due to their drowsy side effect
- There are safer and more effective strategies for treating sleep problems than antihistamines
Diphenhydramine is a common antihistamine used to treat sleep problems
Diphenhydramine works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical produced by the central nervous system that is responsible for allergy symptoms and wakefulness. By blocking histamine, diphenhydramine induces drowsiness and helps with falling asleep. However, it is important to note that diphenhydramine also blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in REM sleep. This can lead to an increase in light sleep and a decrease in deeper sleep, resulting in next-day sedation and fatigue.
While diphenhydramine can be helpful for short-term sleep problems, it is not recommended for long-term use. There is limited research on its effectiveness, and it may have potential side effects, especially in older adults. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends against using antihistamines as sleep aids due to weak evidence and potential risks. Instead, they suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a first-line treatment for insomnia. CBT focuses on sleep hygiene and strengthening the association between bed and sleep, helping to adjust the circadian rhythm and reduce anxiety related to insomnia.
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Antihistamines are not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects
Antihistamines are not recommended for long-term use due to their potential side effects. While they can be effective in treating allergies and sleep problems in the short term, prolonged use can lead to negative consequences.
One of the main concerns with long-term antihistamine use is the risk of developing dementia in adults. Studies have suggested a potential link between cumulative anticholinergic drug use, which includes first-generation antihistamines, and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. While the evidence does not prove causation, it highlights the need for caution.
First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, have strong anticholinergic properties and can cause adverse effects on cognition and learning, particularly in children. These effects can impact attention, memory, coordination, and psychomotor performance, potentially affecting academic, cognitive, and social development.
Additionally, antihistamines can cause other side effects such as altered mental state, urinary retention, dry mouth, and parasomnias like sleepwalking. They may also lead to tolerance, reducing their effectiveness over time. Furthermore, mixing antihistamines with alcohol or other medications can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
For these reasons, it is generally not recommended to use antihistamines for sleep problems or as a long-term solution. Instead, it is advisable to consult a physician or sleep specialist to address the underlying causes of insomnia or sleep disturbances.
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Alternatives to antihistamines for treating sleep problems include melatonin and L-theanine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly found in over-the-counter medications such as Sudafed PE Day/Night Sinus Congestion. It is known to induce drowsiness by blocking the natural release of histamine in the brain, which helps induce non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. However, long-term use of antihistamines is not recommended due to potential side effects, especially in older adults. These side effects include short-term memory loss, increased heart rate, and difficulty urinating. Additionally, antihistamines have been linked to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease when taken long-term.
As an alternative to antihistamines for treating sleep problems, you may want to consider natural sleep aids such as melatonin and L-theanine.
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body. It helps regulate your natural circadian rhythm and prepares your body for sleep without making you feel sleepy. While it hasn't been extensively studied during pregnancy, it is generally considered safe for short-term use. However, it is always best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It has been shown to support high-quality sleep by reducing sleep disturbances and improving sleep quality. L-theanine affects the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol, which play a role in mood, sleep, and emotion regulation. Research has also suggested that L-theanine may improve mental focus and cognitive performance, reduce stress, and lower blood pressure. It is generally considered safe for adults, but pregnant and nursing women should refrain from using it.
In addition to these natural sleep aids, practicing good sleep hygiene habits can also help improve your sleep quality. This includes avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, particularly during the evening hours, and minimizing the use of electronic devices before bed. Maintaining a cool temperature in the bedroom and creating a quiet, dark environment can also promote better sleep.
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Antihistamines are commonly used as sleep aids due to their drowsy side effect
Antihistamines are known to block histamine, a chemical produced by the central nervous system that not only produces allergy symptoms but also plays a role in wakefulness. This is why you get sleepy when you take antihistamines.
Diphenhydramine, for example, is an antihistamine medicine that relieves allergy symptoms and is known to be more likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines. It's commonly used for short-term sleep problems (insomnia), including when a cough, cold, or itching is keeping you awake at night. It's available over the counter in the form of tablets, liquids, and creams.
While antihistamines can be helpful in short-term situations, such as when stress or travel is causing you to toss and turn, it's important to note that this isn't their intended use. There is a lack of data on the safety and efficacy of using antihistamines as sleep aids, and long-term use may lead to harmful side effects.
In addition to blocking histamine, some antihistamines like diphenhydramine have anticholinergic properties, which can lead to cognitive impairment. There is also a risk of developing a tolerance to the sedative effects of antihistamines, so they may become less effective over time.
Instead of relying on antihistamines for sleep, it's recommended to practice good sleep hygiene habits, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding electronic devices before bed, and creating a cool and quiet sleep environment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also an effective treatment option for insomnia.
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There are safer and more effective strategies for treating sleep problems than antihistamines
Instead, there are a number of natural sleep aids that you may want to consider, such as melatonin or L-theanine. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body and helps your body get ready for sleep by regulating your natural circadian rhythm. L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that has been found to support high-quality sleep by reducing sleep disturbances and promoting relaxation.
In addition, practising good sleep hygiene habits can help train your body and brain to fall and stay asleep. This includes avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption during the evening, not using electronic devices in the two hours before bed, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, and minimising noise.
If you have chronic insomnia, it is recommended that you talk to a medical professional. They may recommend prescribed sleep aids or antidepressants with a sedating effect.
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Frequently asked questions
Diphenhydramine is a common antihistamine that is known to cause drowsiness and is often used as a sleep aid. However, it is not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects and limited evidence of its effectiveness.
Side effects of diphenhydramine include dry mouth, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and increased risk of falls. It can also cause cognitive impairment and may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease with long-term use.
Yes, there are alternative sleep aids such as melatonin and L-theanine. Improving sleep hygiene and practising cognitive behavioural therapy are also recommended for treating insomnia.