All bleary-eyed mothers have suffered the torture of disrupted circadian rhythms and disturbed sleep patterns and know that the postpartum period is really tough. For some parents, the constant awakenings and grueling three- or four-hourly feeding schedules can potentially turn sleeplessness into clinical insomnia. It’s important to know when to seek help.

Pregnancy-associated insomnia does not start after the delivery. One study found that 86% of the pregnant women involved in the study experienced poor quality sleep.

 Unfortunately, a woman’s sleep patterns can be affected as early as the first trimester.

As the pregnancy progresses, sleep disturbances often increase. By the third trimester 97% of women reported sleep disorders.

 Diaphragmatic pressure increases as a result of fetal development, causing abdominal discomfort. Women develop back pain and suffer leg cramps; restless leg syndrome becomes more intense; pressure on the bladder often causes multiple visits to the toilet at night; and hormonal changes further disrupt circadian rhythms.1 Increased estrogen, for example, causes the upper nasal passages to narrow, which can exacerbate snoring.

After delivery, the new-born’s sleep rhythms bring a new dimension to sleep disruption. New mothers often complain that they’re sleep-deprived but the problem is not sleep deprivation per se, but the disruption of the mother’s circadian rhythm during the first few months of the baby’s life.

During our evolution, we internalized the 24-hour cycle of our rotating planet in the form of circadian rhythms. These circadian rhythms drive the daily patterns of our physiology and behaviour. A person’s circadian rhythm is synchronized to the external environment, primarily by the light-dark cycle, and controlled via molecular clocks located in the hypothalamus. Disruption of circadian rhythms can have detrimental consequences for human health, especially mental health.

A baby’s circadian clock starts developing in the womb, and matures postpartum.4 Unlike adults, who have established circadian rhythms, babies sleep whenever they need to, which is most of the time during the first few weeks. Their sleeping rhythms are ultradian. An ultradian cycle is a recurring cycle within a 24-hour period, while a circadian cycle is one that takes place over 24 hours.

Babies have sleep-wake cycles between two and three hours long, and these cycles repeat several times during a twenty-four hour period. Due to immature hypothalamic neurodevelopment, which is the centre of circadian rhythm and sleep-wake regulation, newborns don’t distinguish between day and night in terms of sleep time.

 For adults who are used to being awake during the day and asleep at night, this blurring of day and night can be mental and emotional torture.

The optimal thing parents can do during the first few weeks is to adapt their sleeping patterns to their baby’s, in other words make peace with the fact that they’re going to follow an ultradian rhythm instead of a circadian rhythm. This is easier said than done, of course. External work and life pressures can make this adaptation very difficult. Plus, adults do not normally have ultradian cycles, so raising a new-born messes with adult biology.

Many parents who have to suffer the constant disruption of their circadian rhythms start feeling anxious about being woken up. The anxiety causes 

, which, in turn, exacerbates insomnia. Add to that our evolutionary tendency to be hypervigilant during postpartum, and it is no wonder the parents of new-borns battle to sleep.

Practical Sleep Tips for the Postpartum Period

If you have a newborn and have a hard time sleeping, these practical tips might come in handy.

Try not to fret about not getting enough sleep. Fretting makes insomnia worse because it causes hyper-arousal, which interferes with your sleep drive.

Sleep when you get a chance and adapt to your baby’s cycles. Put everything else on the back burner if you can. The weeks after birth are about surviving. Napping in the middle of the day is allowed, even recommended!

Sleep walking, sleep hallucinations, exploding head syndrome, hypnagogic jerks and sleep paralysis are all normal occurrences during postpartum. However, if you are concerned about any of these, speak to your doctor.

Let your baby sleep whenever he or she wants to. If you keep babies awake when they need to sleep, their bodies may go into hyperarousal.

Resist the natural urge to pick your baby up unless the child is clearly awake or crying. Picking up babies too soon can interfere with the maturation of their circadian patterns. Sometimes babies make movements that suggest they are awake, but they aren’t, so observe them before picking them up. Mothers’ night-time responses to their infants may affect crucial developments in the sleep-wake rhythm.

The Link Between Insomnia and Perinatal Depressive Symptoms

If you don’t find relief with  these tips, it could be beneficial  to monitor yourself carefully for symptoms of depression. We always recommend that you speak to your doctor about your concerns. A 2019 meta-analysis of nine studies, which involved 1992 women, found that because insomnia during the perinatal period is associated with depressive symptoms so it's essential that pregnant women should be screened for both insomnia and depression.

 In fact, not just mothers suffer from insomnia. A 2020 study found that insomnia and poor sleep problems are frequent amongst all family members in the weeks before and after the birth of a new baby.

If you feel that your things are getting out of hand, either for you or your family members, fill in our 

. The questionnaire takes you through a series of diagnostic sleep questions, which will give you insight into your insomnia.

cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia 

(CBT-I), an evidence-based approach that treats insomnia by identifying and changing habits and thinking patterns that prevent you from falling asleep [

Tafşkiran, N. (2011) “Pregnancy and sleep quality”, Journal of Turkish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 8 (3), pp. 181-7.

Helmi, A. et al. (1975). “The effect of oestrogen on the nasal respiratory mucosa: An experimental histopathological and histochemical study”, The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 89(12), pp. 1229-1241. Doi: 10.1017/S0022215100081597.

Walker, W.H. et al. (2021) “Disrupted circadian rhythms and mental health”, Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 179, 259-270. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819975-6.00016-9

Escobar, C. et al. (2021) “Development of the circadian system and relevance of periodic signals for neonatal development”, Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 179, pp. 249-258. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819975-6.00015-7

Kuroda, M. et al. (2021) “Influence of mothers’ nighttime responses on the sleep–wake rhythm of 1-month-old infants”, Sci Rep., 11, article no. 24363. 

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-03717-7

Emamian, F. et al. (2019) “Link between insomnia and perinatal depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis”, Journal of Sleep Research, 28 (6). 

Baglioni, C. et al. (2020) “Insomnia and poor sleep quality during peripartum: a family issue with potential long term consequences on mental health”, The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. 

https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2020.1854718

Postpartum insomnia is a common experience for new parents because of disruptions caused by nightly feedings and bodily changes.

Understanding Postpartum Insomnia: A Guide for Parents | Dawn Health

Understanding Postpartum Insomnia: A Guide for Parents

We often take sleep for granted as part of our daily routine. What you may not know is that sleep is critical to our health. Sleep disorders affect the quality and quantity of a person’s sleep. Sleep disorders have short-term consequences like changes in mood, poor memory, and increased stress

. Long-term sleep disorders can have severe effects like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes

If you struggle to get good-quality sleep, you aren’t alone.  Around 1 in 5 people have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

. If you have been considering talking to a doctor about your sleep, 

! You have taken the first step toward improving your sleep and your health.

What Kind of Sleep Clinician Do You Need?

Sleep disorders can have many different causes. Many types of clinicians can diagnose and treat sleep disorders.

Physicians with an MD or DO can complete training to specialize in sleep disorders. They may also be certified by the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM). These sleep specialists will review your medical history and symptoms. They can order sleep studies and check for medical issues like apnea. These doctors are usually part of a sleep center.

Our mental health and attitudes can have a significant impact on our sleep. Psychologists and psychiatrists can help you address thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep. Use this 

 to see if sleep therapy is a good fit for 

. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medications to help.

Neurologists treat disorders of the brain and nervous system. Some conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or epilepsy can cause sleep problems. Neurologists can help manage sleep symptoms as part of their care.

Otorhinolaryngologists or ENT doctors treat problems in the ears, nose, and throat. These problems can result in sleep disorder symptoms like snoring or apnea.

There are many different healthcare professionals that can help diagnose and treat sleep disorders, so where do you start to find one for you?

The best place to start is to talk to your primary care physician. See what kind of sleep clinician they recommend for you. They can give you a referral to a trusted local specialist.

You may also want to check with your insurance provider to find a clinician. Many insurance companies have a directory of “in-network” providers. You can also call to get more information.

An internet search can help you find local doctors who specialize in sleep medicine. Use keywords like “sleep specialist,” “sleep disorders,” or “sleep center,” and your location. You can search for ABSM sleep centers 

. Get recommendations from your social media contacts, friends, and family.

You can use internet searches to find online services. Online services are an excellent way to access more providers and they often cost less than in-person services. Thes services are available from the comfort of your own home or anywhere and anytime you need them. Online services can include live video sessions, easy-to-use apps, and more. You can check out Dawn Health’s online sleep therapy program 

, the reported cost of sleep studies performed in a clinic can range from $500 to over $3,000. Home sleep tests are less expensive but range in cost from around $150 to over $600. These prices will vary depending on whether you are paying out of pocket or using insurance. Costs with insurance will depend on your copays, deductibles, and "in-network" providers. Where you live can also affect the price.  Many patients will need to pay for a consult with their sleep doctor before a sleep test and to go over the results after the test. These consults usually range in price from about $150 to $300 or the specialist co-pay cost through your insurance.

Unlike sleep tests, sleep therapy is not a diagnostic test and is not always covered by insurance. Sleep therapy can be used as an alternative to medication, or alongside medication, for treating insomnia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)  is the preferred treatment recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)

.  The average cost for CBT-I is around $450, but one significant advantage of sleep therapy is the option to use an online service. In fact, online services, like 

, are significantly more affordable than in-person sessions.

Preparing for Your Sleep Specialist Visit

Before you visit a sleep specialist, you will want to track your sleep symptoms. Try keeping a journal or record for a few weeks, recording what you are experiencing. Take this with you to your appointment, so you don’t forget the essential details. You will also want to prepare any questions you have for the clinician. Some questions you may want to ask are:

If so, is a home sleep test enough, or will I need to go into a lab for a sleep study?

If I don’t need a sleep study, what are my options?

Can lifestyle changes, medication, or therapy help?

Could sleep therapy be the right solution for you? Use this quick 

Chung, K. F., Yeung, W. F., Ho, F. Y. Y., Yung, K. P., Yu, Y. M., & Kwok, C. W. (2015). Cross-cultural and comparative epidemiology of insomnia: the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD). 

(4), 477–482. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SLEEP.2014.10.018 (https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SLEEP.2014.10.018)

Medic, G., Wille, M., & Hemels, M. E. (2017). Short- and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption. 

, 151–161. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S134864

Schutte-Rodin, S., Broch, L., Buysse, D., Dorsey, C., & Sateia, M. (2008). Clinical guideline for the evaluation and management of chronic insomnia in adults. 

Finding a Sleep Doctor in Your Location | How to Find a Sleep Doctor? | Dawn Health

Finding a Sleep Doctor in Your Location

Is yours the type of family for whom sleep is an ISSUE – with capital letters? When you wake up in the morning, do you discuss your sleep – how you struggled to fall asleep, how many times a night you woke up, how you lay awake for hours, and how this lack of sleep is probably going to wreck your day?

If sleep is an issue in your family, then there is probably a genetic component to your insomnia. Sleep scientists divide factors contributing to insomnia into three categories (

predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating

), based on the 3P model of the famous sleep researcher Dr Arthur Spielman. While there has been considerable research on precipitating and perpetuating factors, predisposing factors have received less scientific attention.

Researchers have found that genes are amongst the most significant predisposing factors for insomnia.

 Heritability accounts for between 28% and 57% of a person’s likelihood of experiencing insomnia.

 Consequently, sleep disorders run in families.

Because insomnia is related to a multitude of 

negative mental, physical, and occupational health outcomes

, you have reason to be concerned if your family has a history of insomnia and you have difficulty falling asleep, initiating sleep or maintaining sleep. If you experience non-restorative sleep at least three times a week for a minimum of ninety days and this causes you significant distress,

 it’s worth exploring the role your genetic predisposition has as a contributing factor to your insomnia.

Insomniac Genes Do Not Make You an Insomniac

The good news is that insomniac genes do not automatically condemn you to a life of sleeplessness. Circumstances can switch your insomniac genes on, or not. You may have the same genes as your sleepless sister, for example, but they may express differently in you than they do in her because your circumstances or your attitude is different from hers. Her environment might trigger her insomniac genes while yours does not.

The Difference Between Genes and Gene Expression

It is important to understand the difference between genes and gene expression. Genes are embedded in your chromosomes and consist of DNA, which carries instructions for protein and RNA synthesis in your body. Gene expression determines if the encoded instructions are carried out, or not; in other words, whether the gene is switched on, or not.

Lifestyle, stress and other external factors play a role in switching on the genes associated with insomnia. While there’s not much you can do about your genetic heritage, you can actively adjust your lifestyle and moderate your stress levels to mitigate your genetic predisposition. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can affect gene expression. A study done in 2015, found that CBT-I reduced expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory mediators associated with sleep disturbance.

Is Genetic Testing for Insomnia an Option?

 capable of identifying genes associated with sleep disorders. Our scientific understanding of the genetics of insomnia is progressing despite limitations, and scientists have identified several potential molecular mechanisms for the development of the disorder. However,  we have a long way to go to gain a full understanding of the genes that can potentially keep us awake at night.

The best option at the moment for an insomnia diagnosis is a tried and tested questionnaire, called the ICSD-3 (International Classification of Sleep Disorders –Third Edition), which doctors use to diagnose sleep disorders. This diagnostic tool is the industry standard.

 If your family history suggests you may have genes that predispose you to insomnia and you’ve been battling your sleep for three months, it is useful to consult your doctor about the ICSD test.

Alternatively, our Dawn Health insomnia questionnaire is based on the ICSD, so a valuable first step would be to fill in our 

 if you suspect you’re suffering from insomnia.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia

Dawn uses CBT-I, an evidence-based approach that treats insomnia by identifying and changing habits and thinking patterns that prevent you from falling asleep. We’ve known since 2013 that cognitive behavioral therapy affects gene expression in individuals suffering from PTSD.

 A recent meta-analysis, published in January 2022, indicated that CBT was associated with significant epigenetic effects, mainly in anxiety disorders.

Insomnia may lie in your genes but it does not define you. The expression of the genes that predispose you to insomnia is influenced by your environment, which means you have control over that expressivity to some degree. It is this window of epigenetic influence that deserves the focus of all families who turn conversations at the breakfast table into retrospective sleep studies.


Lind, M.J., Gehrman P.R. (2016) Genetic Pathways to Insomnia. Brain Sciences. 6(4), 64. 

Juan J. Madrid-Valero, María Rubio-Aparicio, Alice M. Gregory, Julio Sánchez-Meca, Juan R. Ordoñana, The heritability of insomnia: Systematic review and meta-analysis of twin studies, Sleep Medicine Reviews, Volume 58, 2021. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101437

Finegold, D. N. (2021). Factors affecting gene expression. Merck Manual Professional Version. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from 

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/general-principles-of-medical-genetics/factors-affecting-gene-expression

Irwin, M.R. et al. (2015) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Tai Chi Reverse Cellular and Genomic Markers of Inflammation in Late-Life Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Biological Psychiatry, 78 (10), 721-729. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.01.010

Sateia, M.J. (2014) International Classification of Sleep Disorders –Third Edition. Contemporary Reviews in Sleep Medicine, 146 (5), 1387 -1394. 

Levy-Gigi, E. (2013) Association among clinical response, hippocampal volume, and FKBP5 gene expression in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. Biol. Psychiatry 4(11), 793-800. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.05.017

Pellicano G.R et al. (2022) Epigenetic correlates of the psychological interventions outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, 7, 100310. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100310

Does insomnia run in the family? Genes are amongst the most significant predisposing factors for insomnia. 

Can You Inherit Insomnia? What is the Genetic Component of Sleeplessness? | Dawn Health

Can You Inherit Insomnia? What is the Genetic Component of Sleeplessness?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 

 suffer from chronic sleep problems.1 Although quetiapine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for insomnia, doctors have been increasingly prescribing this drug to help with sleeping problems in recent years.

Quetiapine is an antipsychotic medication approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

 Drowsiness is a very common side effect of the drug, leading many to try it as a sleep aid.

Similar to first-generation antihistamines, like 

 (Benadryl, ZZZQuil), quetiapine blocks histamine (H1) receptors in the brain which blocks histamine’s effect on wakefulness, triggering your brain to transition into sleep mode. This may explain why it makes you sleepy.

More than 10% of people taking quetiapine experience drowsiness as a side effect.

 This side effect makes quetiapine an attractive medication to try as a sleep aid.

Your doctor will likely prescribe a low dose of quetiapine to start with, around 25 mg, but may increase the dose from there.

 This is much lower than the recommended dose for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, which is between 150 mg to 800 mg per day.

You should not drink while taking quetiapine. Quetiapine can increase the effect alcohol has on you and alcohol can worsen the side effects of quetiapine.

 Additionally, alcohol can worsen your quality of sleep.

 If you plan to continue drinking while taking quetiapine, talk to your doctor.

Quetiapine may cause side effects.2 The most common include:

Some of quetiapine's side effects may be more serious. Talk to your doctor if you experience thoughts of suicide, new or worsening depression, anxiety, irritation, or other unusual changes in your mood.

It is very common for people taking quetiapine to gain weight. Many studies show that people taking quetiapine at any dose, even the low doses used for sleep problems, 

 The weight gain usually takes place in the 

 Even if you only use quetiapine for a short time, you may still experience weight gain.

Weight gain is probably due to the fact that quetiapine increases the amount of sugar in your blood, even if you do not have diabetes. Quetiapine can also increase the fat levels in your blood (cholesterol and triglycerides).

 You should monitor your weight and talk to your doctor about ways to control weight gain like exercise and eating healthy.

, a disorder that causes your breathing to stop or get very shallow during sleep, is strongly associated with obesity.10 Because quetiapine can cause weight gain even at low doses for a short time, research shows that quetiapine could 

Quetiapine Lacks Evidence for Use as a Sleep Aid

Quetiapine is not currently approved as a sleep aid and the 

 does not recommend Seroquel for insomnia.

 Even though some clinical trials have shown 

 in people with bipolar disorder, the effect on sleep alone has only been shown in a 

 Experts also don’t yet fully understand the 

Why CBT-I Might Be a Better Alternative Than Taking Quetiapine

Quetiapine is widely prescribed off-label as a sleep aid, but it is often only used as a short-term solution. Over time, your body may build up a tolerance to the drowsy effect of quetiapine and you may need a higher dose to get the same effect. Additionally, many of the side effects get worse with higher doses.

 is a clinically proven and evidence-based method for treating sleep disorders.

 It can help you reframe your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to improve sleep. CBT-I may have a better balance of potential benefits to risks than medications like quetiapine. Because of this, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends CBT-I as the first-line treatment for insomnia. This means that it is the first treatment that should be tried for people with sleeping problems.

Interested in learning more about CBT-I? Dawn Health provides a comprehensive CBT-I program that can be accessed through an easy-to-use smartphone app. Get started with a 

 to help us better understand where you’re at on your journey to better sleep.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, June). Sleep and Sleep Disorders. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2009, November). Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) Tablets: Highlights of Prescribing Information. 

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020639s045s046lbl.pdf

MedlinePlus. (2022, June 15). Doxylamine. 

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682537.html

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Reiner, P., Kamondi, A. (1994). Mechanisms of antihistamine-induced sedation in the human brain: H1 receptor activation reduces a background leakages potassium current. Neuroscience. 59(3):579-88. doi: 10.1016/0306-4522(94)90178-3

Coe, H., Hong, I. (2012). Safety of low doses of quetiapine when used for insomnia. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 46(5):718-22. doi: 10.1345/aph.1Q697

Roehrs, T., & Roth, T. Sleep, Sleepiness, and Alcohol Use. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-2/101-109.htm

Cates, M., Jackson, C., Feldman, J., Stimmel, A., Wooley, T. (2009). Metabolic consequences of using low-dose quetiapine for insomnia in psychiatric patients. Community Mental Health Journal, 45(4):251-4. doi: 10.1007/s10597-009-9200-0

Brecher, M., Leong, R., Stening, G., Osterling-Koskinen, L., Jones, A. (2007). Quetiapine and long-term weight change: a comprehensive data review of patients with schizophrenia. Journal of Clincial Psychiatry, 68(4):597-603. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v68n0416

MedlinePlus. (2022, June 15). Sleep Apnea. 

Freudenmann, R., Sussmuth, S., Wolf, R., Stiller, P., Schonfelt-Lecuona, C. (2008). Respiratory dysfunction in sleep apnea associated with quetiapine. Pharmacopsychiatry, ;41(3):119-21. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1058111

Sateia, M., Buysse, D., Krystal, A., Neubauer, D., Heald, J. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 

Calabrese, A., Keck, P., Macfadden, W., Minkwitz, M., Ketter, T., Weisler, R., Cutler, A., McCoy, R., Wilson, E., Mullen, J. (2005). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of quetiapine in the treatment of bipolar I or II depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.162.7.1351

Tassniyom, K., Paholpak, S., Tassniyom, S., Kiewyoo, J. Quetiapine for primary insomnia: a double blind, randomized controlled trial. J Med Assoc Thai; 2010;936:729-734, 

Anderson, S., Vande Gried, J. Quetiapine for insomnia: a review of the literature. (2014). American Journal of Health-system Pharmacy, 71, (5), 394–402 

Thompson, W., Quay, T., Rojas-Fernandez, C., Farrell, B., Bjerre, l. (2016). Atypical antipsychotics for insomnia: a review. Sleep Medicine, 22,13-17.

Edinger, J. D., Arnedt, J. T., Bertisch, S. M., Carney, C. E., Harrington, J. J., Lichstein, K. L., Sateia, M. J., Troxel, W. M., Zhou, E. S., Kazmi, U., Heald, J. L., & Martin, J. L. (2021). Behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. Journal of clinical sleep medicine, 17(2), 255–262. 

Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an antipsychotic medication. Drowsiness is a common side effect of the drug, leading many to try it as a sleep aid.

Quetiapine (Seroquel) as a Sleep Aid | Dawn Health

Quetiapine (Seroquel) as a Sleep Aid

Many people who suffer from insomnia are interested in trying medications to help them sleep better. Although antidepressants aren’t officially approved as a sleep aid, they are often prescribed for this purpose. Trazodone is the 

Trazodone, also available under the brand names Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose, Oleptro, and Trittico, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder. Doctors sometimes also recommend this drug as a treatment for other conditions such as anxiety, substance abuse, schizophrenia, or fibromyalgia.

 Because tiredness/sedation is a side effect of trazodone, it is also used as an insomnia treatment.

Why Is Trazodone Prescribed as a Sleep Medication?

Trazodone is a popular sleep aid because it may work better and be less addictive compared to other sleep-inducing drugs.

Benzodiazepines have been used since the 1960s to help treat insomnia. However, these medications may not be a good long-term choice because they can cause dependence and tolerance. Tolerance occurs when a drug doesn’t work as well over time, requiring you to take more for the same effect. Dependence occurs when you feel like they have to keep taking the drugs to feel “normal”  and may experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop using them.

After some of the negative effects of benzodiazepines started to become clear, doctors began looking to other drugs to help treat insomnia. Between 1987 and 1996, doctors prescribed 50% fewer benzodiazepine medications and 

Trazodone is not classified by the FDA as a controlled substance — it’s not very likely to lead to abuse or dependence, unlike some other types of sleep medications.

 However, there is a chance that it may cause mild withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, and sleeping problems.

Despite its increased use, trazodone typically has limited benefits. Research shows that trazodone may slightly increase how much time you spend asleep; however, 

. For example, the original clinical trial studying the effects of trazodone on sleep found that:

The drug helped people fall asleep 10 minutes more quickly at the beginning of the night.

People who took trazodone slept for only 22 minutes longer per night, on average.

Those who took trazodone did not rate their sleep quality as being any better.

These effects are small enough that experts don’t expect trazodone to make much of a difference for people who struggle to get enough rest. For this reason, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 

Trazodone has also not been approved by the FDA as a sleep aid.

 However, doctors may still prescribe this medication for people with insomnia if they believe that it may help.

Trazodone tablets come in a few different dosages: 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg. For people with depression, doctors usually recommend taking between 75 mg and 150 mg, and gradually increasing the dose over time if needed. Older adults typically use a lower dosage of trazodone.

People with insomnia usually also take a lower trazodone dose — often 

 If you are taking trazodone, make sure to follow the directions that your doctor gives you. Don’t increase your dose or stop taking trazodone without first talking to your healthcare provider.

It is a good idea to avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking trazodone. If you plan to continue drinking while taking trazodone, talk to your doctor first.

It is important to know that if you take trazodone and alcohol together, an overdose can be fatal.8 Additionally, trazodone can boost the effects of alcohol — you may feel more drunk than usual, or experience higher levels of dizziness, confusion, or impaired judgment.

Alcohol also worsens some of the conditions that trazodone is meant to treat. Alcohol use can cause depression and anxiety or make existing mental health problems worse.

 In addition, alcohol can lead to worse quality sleep, especially in the second half of the night.

Like other antidepressants, trazodone may cause side effects. While taking this drug, you may notice:

Low sex drive or decreases in sexual function

Trazodone may be prescribed to you for insomnia. Learn about how it works and possible side effects.