Sleep disturbances have been associated with drug use, drug
abuse, and withdrawal from drug abuse. Sleep disturbances also have
been linked to the use of alcohol and to chronic alcoholism.
Drugs and sleep
Many prescription and
non-prescription medicines can cause sleep problems. The severity
of sleep problems caused by a medicine will vary from person to
person.
Prescription drugs that might cause sleep problems include:
- High blood pressure medicines
- Hormones such as oral contraceptives
- Steroids including prednisone
- Respiratory medicines
- Diet pills
- Attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder medicines
- Some antidepressants
The following non-prescription medicines can cause sleep
problems:
- Pseudoephedrine, including the brand Sudafed
- Medicines with caffeine (These include the brands Anacin,
Excedrin, and No-Doz, as well as cough and cold medicines.)
- Illegal drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and
methamphetamines
- Nicotine, which can disrupt sleep and reduce total sleep time
(Smokers report more daytime sleepiness and minor accidents than do
non-smokers, especially in younger age groups.
Alcohol and sleep
Alcohol often is thought of as a
sedative or calming drug. While alcohol might induce sleep, the
quality of sleep is often fragmented during the second half of the
sleep period. Alcohol increases the number of times you awaken in
the later half of the night when the alcohol's relaxing effect
wears off. Alcohol prevents you from getting the deep sleep and REM
sleep you need because alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of
sleep.
With continued consumption just before bedtime, alcohol's
sleep-inducing effect might decrease as its disruptive effects
continue or increase. The sleep disruption resulting from alcohol
use might lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness. The elderly are
at particular risk for alcohol-related sleep disorders because they
achieve higher levels of alcohol in the blood and brain than do
younger adults after consuming an equivalent dose. Bedtime alcohol
consumption among older adults might lead to unsteadiness if
walking is attempted during the night, with increased risk of falls
and injuries.