Reboundinsomniahappens when you have been taking sleeping pills and suddenly stop.
What Is Rebound Insomnia?
If you take sleeping pills regularly, your body adapts to the drugs effects.
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Your body may even down-regulate to manage the increased chemicals.
It works less and less well and may stop working completely.
Depending on the medication you take, you may develop a physical dependence on it over time.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
How Long Does Rebound Insomnia Last?
It can happen with any over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription sleep aids.
The intensity of the rebound insomnia depends on your sensitivity to withdrawal.
Longer-acting medications may not have as noticeable rebound insomnia.
However, it may take longer for the drug to fully leave your system.
These drugs are also more likely to cause morning hangover effects.
Know that the effects of rebound insomnia will not last forever.
Do not use multiple sleeping medications at once unless your provider tells you to.
Do not use sleep aids with alcohol as this may potentially lead to overdose and death.
For example:
In general, it is best to avoid the daily use of sleeping pills.
Dont allow yourself to escalate the doses, especially beyond what your healthcare provider has recommended for you.
Some medications are more likely to cause rebound insomnia than others.
How long youll have rebound insomnia also depends on how long it takes your body to reset the medication.
If youre taking sleeping pills and want to stop, talk to your provider.
Reducing your dose gradually may help you avoid rebound insomnia.
you could use our Healthcare Provider Discussion Guide below to start that conversation with your healthcare provider.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
2019;5(5):495-500. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2019.06.005
