If you have trouble sleeping or not sleeping, check your medicine cabinet. Some commonly used prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements can have a detrimental effect on insomnia.

Prescription drugs

Medications for the heart. High blood pressure and prostate problems can be treated with alpha-blockers. They can make you tired all day and prevent you from getting enough deep REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and chest discomfort. They also reduce the amount of melatonin in your body, a hormone that helps regulate your sleep cycle. This causes waking up in the middle of the night and nightmares. Other cardiac drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARBs), can cause leg cramps and cough, which can keep you awake at night.

Antidepressant. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) alter communication between your brain cells. Insomnia is a specific adverse effect of many medications that doctors do not know why.

Corticosteroids. They can be used to treat many ailments, including asthma, allergic reactions, and immune system problems such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. They make you energized instead of drowsy.

Cholesterol is a lipid, which is a type of drug. Statins can help you lose weight by lowering your cholesterol, but they can also cause muscle pain, which can make sleep harder.

Medications for Alzheimer's disease. Cholinesterase inhibitors work by boosting the brain chemical that controls memory and attention, which can help with dementia. However, they can also trigger insomnia and nightmares.

Stimulating. These are often prescribed by doctors for ADHD and narcolepsy.

Asthma treatment. Theophylline, a **** drug, can make you sleepy, but some inhalation rescue treatments can make you drowsy.

Medications are available over the counter

Antibiotics and antihistamines are used to treat colds and allergies. Nonsteroidal antihistamines such as fexofenadine and loratadine, as well as the decongestant pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan, suppress cough, provoke anxiety and fear, which can contribute to insomnia.

The painkiller caffeine, a stimulant that keeps you alert, is present in some medications.

Weight Loss Supplements. There may also be caffeine and other stimulants.

Helps to quit smoking. Nicotine is a stimulant that may be present in patches and other treatments to help you quit smoking.

Supply

Glucosamine and chondroitin are two types of glucosamine. Many people combine these to reduce the symptoms of gout, however, they can cause insomnia.

St. John's wort is an herb used to treat a variety of ailments. This plant is used to relieve insomnia, but can also be used to induce it.

Vitamins. Although the study is not conclusive, there is evidence to suggest that people who take multivitamins sleep better than those who do not.

What are your options?

Insomnia can be caused by several factors other than medication. However, if you have difficulty sleeping, check your medication packaging or do some research to see if it causes any side effects. If it is a supplement or over-the-counter medicine you can stop taking it or take it at a different time of the day. However, you should not stop taking prescription treatments without consulting your doctor first. If you tell them about your sleep problems, they can help you.

• They can turn you into a drug that does not make you sleepy.
• You may need a different dose. Some medications require some trial and error to determine the dosage that best manages your symptoms.
• Taking your prescription early in the day will help you sleep better.
• Your doctor may recommend such as melatonin or a prescription sleeping tablet.
• Check if your disease can be managed without the need for medication. For example, therapy can be as effective as antidepressants.
• You do not need cholesterol medication if you increase your physical activity and change your diet.
• You may not have a choice about whether or not to take sleeping pills. However, you can make changes in your lifestyle and sleeping environment that will help you sleep better.
• Every day, lie down and get up at the same time.
• Exercise a lot in the morning.
• Electronics should not be used in the bedroom.
• Make your bedroom a place to relax.
• Try not to consume alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or more within a few hours before bedtime.