Is Taking Antihistamines for Sleep Safe?

Are you one of the forty percent of Americans who has trouble getting to sleep at night? Insomnia is a common problem that becomes prevalent with advancing age. Nights spent tossing and turning and counting sheep can lead to fatigue and irritability during the day and may even contribute to longer term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, making it all the more important that solutions to this problem be found. When insomnia strikes, some people reach for the help of a sleep aid to help them relax. Some of the most popular choices are over-the-counter sleep aids containing antihistamines because of their easy availability and inexpensive price. Is taking antihistamines for insomnia really safe?

Most over-the-counter sleep aids contain an ingredient called diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that’s used primarily to treat allergy symptoms and motion sickness. One of its side effects is drowsiness which can be beneficial to those who struggle to get a good night’s sleep. Diphenhydramine is an ingredient in many common sleep aids found on drug store shelves. It’s a popular treatment for insomnia due to its lack of addictive potential.

Even though diphenhydramine for sleep doesn’t appear to be addictive like many prescription insomnia medications, taking antihistamines for insomnia is not without risks. People taking antihistamines for sleep frequently experience a “hang over” effect the next day characterized by excessive sleepiness and fatigue that can be associated with coordination and balance problems. This may make it dangerous to drive a car or operate heavy machinery safely. This effect varies depending upon the person but can be quite pronounced, particularly in the elderly. Consumption of alcohol and use of other sleep medications can also magnify the problem.

Because diphenhydramine for sleep blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine, it can have a variety of other unpleasant side effects. The most common is dry mouth. More serious side effects related to the blockage of acetylcholine include difficulty passing urine and constipation as well a fast or irregular heart beat, and, in rare, cases, a heart attack. This is why taking antihistamines for insomnia can be dangerous in the elderly and those with heart disease. It can also interact with other medications that are frequently taken by older people.

Because of the drowsiness and other nervous system effects of diphenhydramine for sleep, taking antihistamines has become a way to achieve a recreational high for teenagers due to their cheap price and easy availability. Taking antihistamines in high doses can lead to a feeling of intoxication particularly when combined with alcohol. Unfortunately, taking larger doses and combining antihistamines with alcohol can have serious health consequences.

As with any medication, diphenhydramine for sleep should be used only short-term and at the dose suggested on the box. People who have medical problems or are taking other medications should consult with a doctor before taking any over-the-counter antihistamine.