If you’ve just started taking Zoloft (sertraline) or are considering it for treating anxiety or depression, you may be wondering, does Zoloft give you insomnia?
Even though Zoloft may have a beneficial effect on most of the patients, it may at the same time have a negative impact on the sleep cycle, for instance, the occurrence of insomnia.
Finding out the cause and how to control it is one way to balance the positives and possible drawbacks, like sleep disturbances.
Does Zoloft Give You Insomnia?
Simply put, Zoloft occasionally causes insomnia—some people cannot get enough good and restful sleep, but they are wide awake.
Therefore, if you cannot sleep despite taking Zoloft, you are in the same boat as many others.
Zoloft has a particular way of functioning based on serotonin, which determines your mood.
It’s the reason for pleasant feelings and less anxiety, and in some cases, it’s a tool to be effective in people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for asserting healthy behaviors.
But this serotonin change can go wrong and interfere with your sleep-wake cycle, for example, making it too hard to fall asleep or keep you asleep.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Can Zoloft make it hard to sleep?” Now you know the science behind why this might be happening.
Sleep is one of the most probable side effects of Zoloft, and it includes:
- You may have some initial difficulty in falling asleep.
- You may frequently wake up during the night.
- You may not be able to get your usual sleep and time.
- Your sleep may be lower quality, so you feel unrested all night.
It is good to be aware that these problems are not unavoidable.
Some people have drowsiness as one of the other side effects, so they can have insomnia overridden.
Everybody’s body is different, yet if you are the person who is suffering from Zoloft causing insomnia, there are some approaches to solve the problem and help with the sleepless nights.
Why Does Zoloft Disrupt Sleep?
Zoloft causes insomnia because serotonin is a mediator for mood and sleep regulation.
A situation where sertraline and melatonin are compromised is quite common among users of the medicine.
For instance, melatonin is a hormone that signals you when it is time to sleep.
Changes in melatonin production often result in Zoloft and sleeplessness.
Besides, you might find it hard to rest or feel somewhat agitated or more responsive to the stimuli when you first take the drug.
This is triggered by the enhancement of the release of serotonin, which comes as a result of the medication.
The next moment of increased wakefulness caused by this energy can make you slow down to the degree when sleeping becomes more difficult.
The fact that the beginning stage of taking the medication makes your body get used to the treatment can be another explanation for Zoloft and sleep issues.
Managing Insomnia on Zoloft
While this one can be bothersome, some things can help you improve your sleep. If you’re having trouble with Zoloft for insomnia, opt for sticking to the following practices:
1. Change the Time When You Consume Your Meds
When Zoloft is taken in the morning rather than at night, the problem diminishes.
By allowing the stimulating effects of the medication to wear off during the day, you may get to bed in peace.
However, before any changes, consult your physician.
2. Develop Better Sleeping Patterns
A pre-bed routine is a good way to persuade your brain that it’s time to unwind.
Leave away the screens and the bright lights shortly before going to bed, and fill your time with reading or practicing meditation to achieve peace of mind.
3. Stay Physically Active
Physical activity naturally decreases anxiety, improves mood, and tires the body, making it able to fall asleep more easily.
Exercise should be done earlier in the day so as not to be too stimulated at bedtime.
4. Discuss Your Issues with Your Doctor
If Zoloft and sleep issues persist and you’re finding it tough to cope, you should talk to your doctor.
They may adjust your dosage, switch you from one medicine to a better one, or suggest a sleep aid so that insomnia can be at least momentarily controlled.
Is Insomnia Due To Zoloft Temporary, And Will It Go Away On Its Own?
For most people, it will go away.
The sleep problems provoked by Zoloft take time to disappear.
Insomnia occurring during the first couple of weeks of Zoloft intake is often the process the body takes to get used to the new drug. It passes.
Once the adjustment period has ended, most people will return to their standard sleep patterns.
If it lasts longer than that, you must have a new discussion with your doctor about other possibilities and solutions.
Should You Stop Taking Zoloft for Insomnia?
It will depend on how severe the insomnia is as well as how good the medication is at controlling your mental health condition.
Generally, if Zoloft is treating your problem, physicians will recommend working to manage Zoloft and sleeplessness rather than discontinuing its use altogether.
One of the possible solutions, if stopping or replacing another drug is needed, is to get advice from a healthcare professional to gradually taper off the medication, as it could bring on withdrawal symptoms or worsen an already existing anxiety or depression condition.
Next Steps
Sleep, without any doubt, is the most crucial element of one’s health and well-being.
Zoloft, the medication, has been noticed to affect the ability to fall asleep quickly, but things could be changed.
We at Envision Psychiatry are ready to assist those who are struggling with mental health issues to find the best solutions to stay healthy and to cope with the challenges brought by the medications they are on.
A peaceful sleep becomes the order of the day, and life improves when you are engulfed in the whole process of a professional mental health care team.
Besides exercise, a balanced diet, and regular visits to the doctor, one of the critical parts of health is sleep.
At Envision Psychiatry, we are highly qualified to assist people in finding the best mental health care—we can advise on medication and develop side effect management strategies.
Book an appointment with Envision Psychiatry today to manage your mental and general health.
A healing experience is achievable when you comply with a knowledgeable team of mental health doctors.
FAQs
Does insomnia from Zoloft go away?
For most people, it will. The insomnia caused by Zoloft usually fades away during the adjustment period, which varies from a few days to weeks.
However, if you continue to experience it, seek medical attention.
How to fight Zoloft insomnia?
To reduce insomnia associated with Zoloft, you can either adopt another time to take your dose in the morning, introduce a calming bedtime ritual, exercise during the day, or meet your doctor and confer it with them.
Should I take Zoloft at night or in the morning?
In case Zoloft is putting you in trouble to sleep, change the medication schedule to the morning. This will let the stimulating effect go away well before bedtime.
Always seek the advice of your doctor before you start doing this.
How do I sleep at night with sertraline?
Get better sleep when on sertraline by having a regular sleep routine, staying from a screen at night, never drinking coffee late in the evening and discussing with your doctor to see if there are any necessary dosage changes.
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