Evie Summers
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that treats allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and cold symptoms. Its active ingredient, diphenhydramine, blocks histamine, which causes sleepiness in most people. While Benadryl can make it easier to fall asleep, it is not recommended for long-term use due to potential side effects, including nervousness, dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea. Additionally, it may decrease sleep quality and cause daytime drowsiness. Benadryl should be avoided in children under 12 and older adults, as side effects can be more pronounced and long-lasting in these populations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why it causes sleepiness | Benadryl blocks the effect of histamine, which keeps people awake during the day |
| Side effects | Dry mouth, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, nervousness, slowed reaction time, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, other parasomnias, hyperactivity (especially in children), vomiting, seizures, risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and risk of overdose |
| Safety precautions | Not suitable for long-term use, not suitable for children under 12 or older adults, not to be used for more than 2 weeks (14 days) at a time, consult a doctor if used for 2 weeks or more, do not double up on doses or medications that contain diphenhydramine, do not take more than the recommended dose for allergy symptoms |
| Recommended dosage | 25 mg or 50 mg by mouth 20-30 minutes before bedtime for adults and children over 12 |
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What You'll Learn
Benadryl can cause daytime sleepiness and drowsiness
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that treats allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and cold symptoms. It is also used as a sleep aid due to its drowsiness-inducing side effects. However, while Benadryl can make it easier to fall asleep, it may not improve sleep quality and can cause daytime sleepiness and drowsiness.
The active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that blocks the molecule histamine in the body. Histamine is involved in keeping people awake during the day, so when Benadryl blocks its effect, it leads to sleepiness. This effect can persist into the following day, causing daytime drowsiness and reduced alertness. Benadryl can also slow the brain's responses, affecting motor skills and reaction time, which can also continue into the next day.
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for sleep is 25 to 50 mg for adults, taken orally 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. However, taking too much Benadryl raises the risk of side effects, including nervousness, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. Additionally, Benadryl should not be used for more than two weeks at a time, as it can lose effectiveness over time, and long-term use may lead to harmful side effects, especially in older adults and children.
Instead of relying on Benadryl for sleep, it is recommended to practice good sleep hygiene, which includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, keeping a dark and cool bedroom, and avoiding electronics, food, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime. If sleep difficulties persist, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, as there may be underlying medical conditions causing insomnia. They may recommend alternative sleep aids or prescribe sleep aids or sedating antidepressants if appropriate.
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It is not recommended for long-term use
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that treats allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and cold symptoms. While Benadryl can make people sleepy, it is not recommended for long-term use as a sleep aid. Here are several reasons why:
Tolerance and Reduced Effectiveness
Benadryl's effectiveness as a sleep aid decreases over time. 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 was no more effective than a placebo.
Daytime Sleepiness and Impaired Motor Skills
The drowsiness caused by Benadryl may persist into the following day, causing daytime sleepiness. It can also slow down the brain's responses, affecting motor skills and reaction time.
Sleep Quality
While Benadryl may make it easier to fall asleep, studies have not found evidence that it improves sleep quality. In fact, it may even decrease it. Benadryl prevents the brain from achieving restorative deep REM sleep, which is necessary for cognitive function.
Side Effects
Benadryl can cause nervousness, a dry nose, mouth, and throat, dizziness, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite. It may also cause more serious side effects, such as vomiting and seizures if overused. In addition, a 2016 study found that diphenhydramine overdose accounted for 3.2% of all overdose deaths in the United States, with most cases occurring in children ages 6 and under.
Risk of Dependence and Cognitive Impairment
Antihistamines like Benadryl may lead to dependence, especially if used long-term. Anticholinergic drugs, which include antihistamines, can produce cognitive impairment that persists even after stopping the medication. A 2021 review found that taking these types of drugs increased the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with higher exposure leading to a higher risk.
Lack of Research
There is little research backing up the effectiveness of antihistamines as sleep aids.
Alternative Sleep Aids
There are several over-the-counter alternatives to Benadryl that may be safer and more effective. In addition, improving sleep hygiene by keeping a regular sleep schedule, maintaining a dark and cool bedroom, and avoiding electronics, food, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime may be enough to cure insomnia without the need for medication.
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Benadryl may not improve sleep quality
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that treats allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and cold symptoms. Some people also take Benadryl as a sleep aid since it causes drowsiness. The recommended Benadryl dosage for sleep is 50 mg for adults and children aged 12 years and older, taken by mouth 20 to 30 minutes before bedtime. However, it's important to note that Benadryl may not improve sleep quality and is not recommended for long-term use.
While Benadryl can make it easier to fall asleep, studies have not found evidence that it improves sleep quality. In fact, it may even decrease sleep quality. 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 was no more effective than a placebo. Benadryl may also cause side effects that can impact sleep quality, such as daytime sleepiness, slowed reaction time, nervousness, dry mouth, dizziness, and headaches.
Additionally, Benadryl can have more serious side effects if overused, including vomiting and seizures. It is one of the most abused medications in the United States, and a 2016 study found that diphenhydramine overdose accounted for 3.2% of all overdose deaths in the country. Benadryl should not be used to make children sleepy, and older adults are more likely to experience side effects. It is recommended that people taking Benadryl for sleep do so for no longer than two weeks at a time and consult a healthcare professional if they have been taking it consistently for this long.
Instead of relying on Benadryl for sleep, individuals can try improving their sleep hygiene by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, keeping their bedroom dark and cool, and avoiding electronics, food, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime. If sleep issues persist, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, as there may be an underlying medical condition causing insomnia, or prescription sleep aids may be recommended.
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It can slow reaction times and affect motor skills
While Benadryl can help people fall asleep, it may not be the best choice of a sleep aid. Benadryl can slow the brain's responses, affecting motor skills and reaction time, which can persist into the following day. This is because Benadryl blocks a molecule in the body called histamine, which helps the body fight off germs and keeps people awake during the day.
Anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl inhibit the action of acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous system. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a pivotal role in several brain functions, including short-term memory and thinking. Anticholinergic medications can produce cognitive impairment that persists even after you stop taking them. A 2021 review of 14 studies found that taking anticholinergic medications increased the risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and that higher exposure to these medications increased this risk.
Benadryl can also cause nervousness, a dry nose, mouth and throat, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. It is not recommended for long-term use, and the recommended dosage for sleep is 50 mg by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime in adults and children aged 12 and older. It should not be used to make a child sleepy, and children under 12 and older adults should avoid it as drug side effects can be longer-lasting.
Benadryl is also not recommended for those who have been taking it consistently for two weeks or more. It is one of the most abused medications in the United States, and a 2016 study found that diphenhydramine overdose accounted for 3.2% of all overdose deaths in the country. Benadryl overdose or intoxication can be either accidental or intentional, and it is not recommended because it prevents the brain from achieving restorative deep REM sleep and tends to cause anxiety or a "hangover" effect, which causes a person to feel drowsy the next day.
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Benadryl can cause serious side effects
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that treats allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and cold symptoms. While Benadryl is not recommended for long-term use, some people take it as a sleep aid due to its drowsiness side effect. However, Benadryl can cause serious side effects, and it is important to be aware of these risks before using it for sleep.
Firstly, Benadryl can cause nervousness, a dry nose, mouth, and throat, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. These side effects can be particularly problematic for older adults, in whom drug side effects can be longer-lasting and more intense. Additionally, Benadryl can slow the brain's responses, affecting motor skills and reaction time, which can persist into the following day. This can be dangerous, especially for older adults or individuals with balance or mobility issues.
Furthermore, Benadryl can lead to sleepwalking and other parasomnias. It can also cause hyperactivity, especially in children, which is the opposite of the intended effect. While Benadryl may help people fall asleep, studies have shown that it does not improve sleep quality and may even decrease it. Research has also demonstrated that the more someone takes Benadryl, the less effective it becomes, with one study finding that it lost its effectiveness after just four days.
Another serious side effect of Benadryl is its potential impact on cognitive function. Anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl inhibit the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in short-term memory and thinking. This can lead to cognitive impairment that may persist even after stopping the medication. A 2021 review found that taking anticholinergic medications increased the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and higher exposure further increased this risk.
Finally, Benadryl should not be used for extended periods as it can lead to tolerance and dependence. It is recommended that Benadryl be used as a sleep aid for no longer than two weeks at a time. Prolonged use can also result in more severe side effects, including vomiting and seizures. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you have been consistently taking Benadryl for sleep for two weeks or more.
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Frequently asked questions
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that treats allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and cold symptoms. Its active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is also found in other common over-the-counter medications, such as Advil PM and Excedrin PM.
Benadryl causes drowsiness as a side effect. Diphenhydramine affects the body's natural sleep-wake cycle by blocking histamine, which helps keep people awake during the day. While Benadryl can make it easier to fall asleep, it is not recommended for long-term use and should not be given to children under 12 or older adults, as side effects can be longer-lasting and more harmful.
Side effects of taking Benadryl for sleep may include a dry mouth, throat, and nose, dizziness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, nervousness, slowed reaction time, and daytime sleepiness. Benadryl may also decrease sleep quality and cause hyperactivity in children. Long-term use may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
