How to Sleep While Taking Cymbalta

How to Sleep While Taking Cymbalta

If you're taking Cymbalta, also known as duloxetine, for depression, anxiety, or another condition, you may be experiencing sleep problems. This is a common side effect of the medication, and it can be frustrating and disrupt your daily life. However, there are a few strategies you can try to improve your sleep while taking Cymbalta.

First, it's important to understand why Cymbalta may be affecting your sleep. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs), which work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood, and they may also influence sleep. In some people, the increased levels of serotonin and norepinephrine caused by Cymbalta can lead to sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed.

If you are experiencing difficulty sleeping while taking Cymbalta, there are several things you can try:

• Take your medication at the same time every day. This can help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine close to bedtime. These substances can interfere with sleep and should be avoided, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
• Establish a bedtime routine. This can include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques. Having a consistent routine can help your body know that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
• Make sure your sleep environment is conducive to sleep. This means keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and using a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Try relaxation techniques. There are many relaxation techniques that can help you fall asleep, including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.
• Talk to your doctor. If you are having difficulty sleeping despite trying these strategies, it may be necessary to adjust your medication or try a different treatment. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of action.

It is important to note that these strategies may not work for everyone, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you. If you are still having trouble sleeping after trying these strategies, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your sleep problems and develop a plan to improve your sleep.

Summary

While taking Cymbalta can cause difficulty sleeping, there are steps you can take to try to improve your sleep. These include taking your medication at the same time every day, avoiding substances that can interfere with sleep, establishing a bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and trying relaxation techniques. If these strategies do not help, it is important to speak with your doctor for further guidance and treatment.

CBT-I: A Long-Term Sleep Fix

Many people choose to use medication to help them get to sleep. However, Cymbalta has not been well studied, and its safety and effectiveness aren’t yet understood.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a natural, side-effect-free sleep treatment. It involves relearning your sleep habits and addressing issues that are getting in the way of quality sleep. Studies show that CBT-I works as well as or better than sleep medications and that its effects last after the treatment is done.1

Fill out Dawn Health’s questionnaire to get started with CBT-I right from your computer — no in-person visits necessary. Quality, natural sleep is possible when you embark on a CBT-I treatment journey.