Can antibiotics cause insomnia?
Some antibiotics can cause in some people insomnia.
For example, at least two antibiotics from the fluoroquinolones are know to influence sleeping. One of them is levofloxacin, which, aside from insomnia, can also lead to anxiety in young adults [1].
The second example is ciprofloxacin, which can cause insomnia and nervousness [2].
Also, clarithromycin can make some people sleepless [3]. Interestingly, in other people, this macrolide can lead to the opposite effect, which is hypersomnia [4].
Another antibiotic, minocycline, was not strictly linked to insomnia. However, it can reduce the amount of slow-wave sleep for the next two days after administration [5]. Slow-wave sleep is the part of sleep responsible for recovery and rest [6].
Nevertheless, everyone responds to medication in a specific way. Therefore, the fact that an antibiotic can lead to insomnia does not mean you will get it.
Additionally, the effects of the antibiotic depend on the dosage.
If you experience insomnia after taking antibiotics, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.
How to avoid insomnia after antibiotics?
The first step in avoiding insomnia caused by antibiotics is timing. When possible, an antibiotic that causes insomnia should be taken in the morning. This will reduce the drug's impact on sleep [7].
A general rule for avoiding insomnia is to develop a regular sleep schedule. Similar sleeping and waking hours will make it easier to maintain a regular circadian rhythm [8].
Also, the sleep environment should be optimal to avoid unnecessary sleep disturbance. Dimming the lights, setting a comfortable room temperature, and avoiding screens before bed are good practices [9, 8].
Moreover, in the evening hours, avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol, instead making something relaxing. For instance, you can meditate or read a book [9,8].
If none of the following strategies help, you should visit your doctor. The physician may prescribe an alternative antibiotic or medication to manage your insomnia.
What can you do to fall asleep faster?
To fall asleep faster, follow a regular sleep routine, create an optimal sleep environment, and avoid screens before sleep [10].
Additionally, you should limit caffeine consumption and, during the day, get physically active [10].
You can also try also try some special relaxation and visualization techniques. For example, 4-7-8 breathing, the military method, or progressive muscle relaxation can be effective in helping you fall asleep [10].
To promote sleep, you can also listen to music or write a specific to-do list before sleep [11, 12].
What other medications can cause insomnia?
When taking more medications at once, the insomnia does not have to come from the antibiotic. It can come from a cross-reaction between the drugs or simply from another medication.
Drugs that can lead to insomnia include
- acetylcholinesterase inhibitors [13],
- dopamine agonist [13],
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [13],
- benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists [14],
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [15],
- antihistamines [16],
- some over-the-counter sleeping aids [17].
If you want to know whether your medications can cause insomnia, ask Medisearch. It will give you reliable, medically relevant information about your drugs and more.