4. Medications: Side Effects That Stretch Into The Night
Medication, meant to alleviate ailments, can sometimes have unintended side effects, one of which can be insomnia. A pill might be small in size but can have a significant impact on our sleep-wake cycle, especially if taken without awareness of its potential effects.
Antidepressants, though beneficial for managing mood disorders, can sometimes cause sleep disturbances. This is because they can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain, which play a vital role in regulating sleep. Thus, while they might alleviate mood symptoms, they could potentially lead to restless nights.
Similarly, medications for high blood pressure can have a diuretic effect. This means more frequent trips to the bathroom during the night, leading to fragmented and unsatisfying sleep. Every time you wake up to visit the bathroom, it becomes increasingly challenging to return to a deep sleep stage.
Some asthma medications, especially those containing steroids or beta-agonists, can lead to sleep issues. They can cause palpitations or feelings of restlessness, making the act of lying down feel counterintuitive. (4)
