Bendryl Sleep: Is It Really Worth It?

While Benadryl can help people fall asleep, it may not be the best choice of a sleep aid. Benadryl is an antihistamine that treats allergies and cold symptoms. It is available over the counter and easily accessible. However, doctors caution against overusing it for insomnia or other sleep issues, especially in older adults and children. The side effects of Benadryl include dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite, among others. Additionally, Benadryl may not improve sleep quality and can lead to daytime sleepiness and slowed reaction times. It is recommended to only use Benadryl for sleep for a maximum of two weeks at a time, and not as a long-term solution.

Benadryl's impact on sleep quality

Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine — a chemical in the body that causes symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose. Histamines also play a role in regulating your sleep-wake cycle, with these histamines being more active when you're awake.

Benadryl is available over the counter and is easily accessible at most drugstores. It is designed to relieve symptoms of hay fever, allergies, and the common cold. It is also used as a sleep aid due to its drowsiness side effect. However, it is important to note that Benadryl is not recommended for long-term use as a sleep aid.

Downsides of Using Benadryl for Sleep

• Reduced sleep quality: While Benadryl may make people sleepy, studies have not found evidence that it improves sleep quality. In fact, it may even decrease the quality of sleep.
• Loss of effectiveness: Research has shown that the more someone takes Benadryl to help them sleep, the less effective it becomes. One study found that after only four days of taking diphenhydramine for sleep, it became no more effective than a placebo.
• Daytime sleepiness: The drowsiness caused by Benadryl may help people fall asleep, but it can also cause daytime sleepiness that continues after waking up the next day.
• Slowed reaction time: Benadryl can slow down the brain's responses, affecting motor skills and reaction time, which can persist into the following day.
• Side effects: Benadryl can cause side effects such as nervousness, dry nose, mouth, and throat, dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. It can also lead to more serious side effects, such as altered mental state, urinary retention, and dry mouth.
• Risk of mental and physical dependence: There is a possibility of developing a "mental dependence" on Benadryl when taken for sleep, meaning that you may feel like you can't fall asleep without taking the antihistamine first. Additionally, while Benadryl is usually not addictive, there is a small risk of physical dependence, especially if taken in higher doses.
• Potential health risks with long-term use: Long-term use of Benadryl has been linked to an increased risk of memory loss and even dementia.

Recommendations from Sleep Experts

Sleep experts do not recommend using Benadryl as a sleep aid, especially on a regular basis. Instead, they suggest practicing good sleep hygiene, such as having a consistent sleep and wake time, avoiding long naps during the day, and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. They also recommend trying natural sleep aids such as melatonin or L-theanine, or seeking professional help if you have consistent issues falling asleep or staying asleep several times a week.

Side effects of Benadryl

Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be used to treat a range of conditions, including allergies, colds, and insomnia. While it can be effective in helping people fall asleep, there are several side effects associated with its use.

One of the most common side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which is why it is sometimes used as a sleep aid. However, this drowsiness can continue into the next day, causing daytime sleepiness and reduced productivity. Benadryl has also been shown to decrease sleep quality, with studies finding no evidence that it improves sleep. In addition, Benadryl can cause a loss of effectiveness over time, with users building a tolerance that reduces its efficacy.

Other side effects of Benadryl include nervousness, dry nose, mouth, and throat, dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. It can also cause blurred vision and impaired thinking or reactions, which can affect activities such as driving or operating machinery. Benadryl may also interact with other drugs, including sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicine, and muscle relaxers, leading to increased drowsiness and slowed breathing.

Older adults are more likely to experience side effects from Benadryl, such as dry mouth and eyes, trouble urinating, and confusion. It may also increase the risk of falling in this age group. Benadryl is not recommended for children, as it can cause serious side effects and even death in very young children.

For pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, it is important to consult a doctor before taking Benadryl, as there are potential risks to the fetus and nursing baby.

While Benadryl can be effective in treating allergies, colds, and insomnia, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects and use it cautiously, following the advice of a medical professional.

Benadryl's impact on children

Benadryl is an antihistamine medication that can be used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, hives, sneezing, and a runny nose. It is available in various forms, including liquid, chewable tablets, and strips that dissolve in the mouth. While Benadryl can be effective in reducing allergy symptoms, its use in children has come under scrutiny due to potential side effects and safer alternatives. Here is an overview of Benadryl's impact on children:

Side Effects:

One of the main side effects of Benadryl is sedation. It can make children very drowsy, and this effect may continue into the next day, impacting their daily activities. Additionally, sedation can cause lingering confusion and impair gross motor skills, which can affect a child's school performance and learning abilities. In some cases, Benadryl may even cause hyperactivity in children, with an estimated 10-15% of children experiencing this opposite reaction. Other possible side effects include a dry nose, mouth, and throat, dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Safety Concerns:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against giving any cold or cough medicine containing antihistamines to children under the age of two. These medications can cause serious side effects in toddlers and infants, including rapid heart rate and convulsions. Manufacturer labels on Children's Benadryl products also advise against using them in children under two years old without a doctor's recommendation. Even for older children, Benadryl is generally recommended for those aged six and above, and parents of children between two and five years old are advised to consult a doctor before administering the medication.

Alternatives:

Newer second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine (Claritin®, Zyrtec®, and Allegra®), offer longer-lasting relief (18-24 hours compared to 4-6 hours for Benadryl) and have fewer side effects, especially sedation. These alternatives are recommended for treating seasonal allergies and mild allergic reactions, as they work faster and have a longer duration of action.

Guidelines for Use:

If a child is experiencing mild allergic reactions or seasonal allergies, it is best to consult a doctor before giving them Benadryl. While Benadryl can provide temporary relief, it is designed for short-term use and does not address the underlying cause of insomnia or allergy symptoms. Parents should be cautious and prioritize alternative treatments whenever possible.

Benadryl's impact on older adults

Benadryl, an antihistamine, is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat allergies and colds. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, which blocks histamine, a molecule that helps the body fight off germs and keeps people awake during the day. While Benadryl can make people sleepy, it is not recommended as a sleep aid, especially for older adults.

Older adults are advised to avoid using Benadryl as a sleep aid due to the risk of serious side effects. These side effects include confusion, dizziness, dry mouth and eyes, and trouble urinating. Benadryl may also increase the risk of falling, which can lead to bone fractures. In addition, studies have shown that Benadryl does not improve sleep quality and may even decrease it. The more someone takes Benadryl to help them sleep, the less effective it becomes, with one study finding that it became no more effective than a placebo after just four days of use.

The use of Benadryl and other first-generation antihistamines is generally not recommended for older adults due to their higher risk of side effects. Older adults may experience constipation, dry mouth, and confusion from taking these medications. Additionally, antihistamines like Benadryl have anticholinergic effects, which can lead to cognitive impairment similar to what occurs with dementia or delirium. There is also growing evidence that the chronic use of these medications may be associated with the long-term development of dementia.

Instead of Benadryl, older adults experiencing sleep problems should focus on non-pharmacologic treatments such as improving sleep hygiene by setting a consistent bedtime, limiting caffeine intake, exercising, and avoiding alcohol. If sleep issues persist, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to identify and address any underlying causes and explore more appropriate and sustainable treatment options.

Alternative sleep aids

If you're struggling to fall asleep, there are many alternatives to antihistamines like Benadryl. These alternatives include natural sleep aids, over-the-counter sleep aids, and prescription sleep aids.

Natural Sleep Aids

Natural sleep aids are over-the-counter supplements that are usually plant-based, vitamins or minerals, or supplemental amounts of something produced by the body. They tend to have fewer side effects than prescription sleep medications and are also appealing to those who prefer natural products or are concerned about the addictive potential of prescription sleep aids.

Some examples of natural sleep aids include:

• Melatonin: A sleep-regulating hormone produced by the pineal gland in our brains. It plays a significant role in organising our circadian rhythms, the 24-hour sleep-wake cycles that govern when we feel alert, tired, and sleepy. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter and can be helpful for people with naturally low levels of melatonin, sleep-onset insomnia, menopausal night sweats, delayed phase disorder, and more.
• L-Theanine: An amino acid found in tea leaves. It has been found to support high-quality sleep by reducing sleep disturbances and promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
• Magnesium: A mineral that plays an important role in many body processes, including sleep quality and quantity. Magnesium supplements may be beneficial for older adults with insomnia.
• Valerian: An herbal sleep aid made from the roots and stems of the valerian plant. It can help people fall asleep and improve their sleep quality, but it may cause morning drowsiness and other side effects in a small percentage of people.

Over-the-Counter Sleep Aids

If you're considering over-the-counter sleep aids, be sure to check the ingredients and discuss them with a medical professional to ensure they are safe for you to take.

Prescription Sleep Aids

If you have chronic insomnia, talk to a medical professional. They may recommend prescribed sleep aids or antidepressants with a sedating effect. However, keep in mind that prescription sleep aids may pose potential risks and may not be appropriate for everyone, especially those who are pregnant or have certain health conditions.

Lifestyle Changes and Sleep Hygiene

In addition to sleep aids, making lifestyle changes and improving your sleep hygiene can also help you get better sleep. Here are some strategies to try:

• Consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on weekends.
• Limit caffeine: Avoid caffeine in the evenings to ensure it's out of your system by bedtime.
• Exercise: Engage in physical activity, but avoid exercising within a few hours of bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can lead to poorer quality sleep, so it's best to avoid it if you're struggling to fall or stay asleep.
• Dim lights: Limit exposure to artificial lights, including your phone and TV, for about an hour before bedtime.
• Keep it cool: Use a fan, open a window, or invest in cooling sheets to keep your bedroom temperature cool.
• Reduce light and noise: Shut out sources of ambient light with curtains and a closed door, and keep noise to a minimum. If necessary, use a white noise machine to block out unwanted sounds.

Don't Respond to Benadryl for Sleep

While Benadryl can make people sleepy due to its antihistamine properties, it may not be the best choice for a sleep aid. It can cause side effects such as nervousness, dry mouth, throat, and nose, dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. Additionally, studies have shown that Benadryl may not improve sleep quality and can even decrease it. It can also lead to daytime sleepiness and slowed reaction times, and its effectiveness as a sleep aid decreases with regular use. For these reasons, doctors caution against overusing Benadryl for insomnia or other sleep issues, especially in older adults.

Frequently asked questions