Have you ever tried a new drug and had trouble falling asleep afterwards? Or worse, did you ever open a bottle of pills and wonder how many you’ve actually taken? You’re not alone. Many people experience sleep disturbances after taking medications (generally prescribed to combat erectile dysfunction) – including Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to improve your sleep after taking these pills. With just a few lifestyle changes, you can help your body produce more melatonin – a hormone that promotes sleep. So keep reading if this sounds good but also try out these tips.
Take It At A Different Time
When you’re first exposed to a new medication, you should try a lower dose and at a different time of day – preferably in the morning – to see if you can sleep better. If this is successful, you can increase your dose and see how your body reacts. Many medications, including Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, work best when taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before you go to bed. However, some individuals may require more time to process the medication – especially longer than four hours after taking it (in the case of Cialis). If this is your situation, it’s best to try taking the medication in the morning and see how you sleep that night.
Cut Back On The Alcohol
The same goes for drinking alcohol. While in the absence of any drugs, alcohol can help induce sleep, in the presence of a sleeping pill, it can hinder sleep quality. So if you take one of the medications mentioned above, you should stop drinking alcohol at least two weeks prior to your first dose – and refrain from doing so while on treatment. And if you drink to fall asleep, it may actually keep you from sleeping. So stop!
Try Different Techniques
If you’re unable to fall asleep despite trying out these suggestions, then your doctor may prescribe you a sleep aid – like Ambien, Lunesta, or Phentermine. Many individuals find that these medications help them sleep better and allow them to wake up in the morning without the help of a morning caffeine jolt. If this is the case for you as well, you can try these medications as directed by your doctor.
Talk To Your Doctor
If none of these suggestions help improve your sleep, then it’s time to talk to your doctor to see if he can suggest others. Sometimes, the body needs more time to process certain medication – especially when taken several hours before bedtime. Also, some individuals may require a medication dose adjustment due to other medications they’re taking – like pain relievers or diabetes medications. So by talking to your doctor, you can ensure that you’re getting the best sleep possible and that your medication is still effective.
You should discuss any changes in your sleeping habits with your doctor so that he can monitor its impact on your health. Additionally, many doctors now prescribe lower-dose serotonergic antidepressants (like Lexapro or Zoloft) for treating sleep disturbance in patients who are unable to sleep without medication – due to sleep apnea or another medical condition. So if this is the case and you’re interested in trying medication-free treatment, then antidepressants like these can be a good option for you.
Follow The Instructions
The manufacturer of your specific medication will provide you with instructions on how to take it – as well as possible side effects and cautions to watch out for. If you take the medication as directed, you’ll most likely notice an improvement in your sleep quality. However, if you skip a dose or take it at a different time than recommended, it may not produce the desired effect – and you could end up hurting your sleep instead of improving it.
In the event of any side effects, be sure to report them to your doctor so that he can determine the cause. Additionally, you should know that many medications, including those used to treat erectile dysfunction, have the potential to cause addiction if used improperly or in excess. So be mindful of how much you’re taking and try to regulate your medication use with the help of your doctor.
Many people with sleep apnea experience a significant decrease in their symptoms when they incorporate the recommendations above. If your sleep is still disturbed, then it may be time to try a different treatment – or to ask your doctor to try a different medication. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that sleep is important for our physical and mental health – and that sleep deprivation is detrimental to both. So don’t abuse your body’s need for rest by staying up all night in the effort to complete a project at work or to watch Netflix. Instead, take a break, go to sleep, and wake up refreshed to continue where you left off before bedtime.