What is Rebound Insomnia?

Posted on May 29, 2009 in Latest News

Rebound insomnia is difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep after stopping a sleeping medication. When a person takes sleeping medication, his/her body gets used to the medication and stopping it causes a withdrawal effect in the form of insomnia. For this reason, rebound insomnia is also termed as drug withdrawal insomnia.

Rebound insomnia is usually associated with sleeping medications such as benzodiazepines or opiates. The sleeplessness due to rebound insomnia can stay for few days to 3 weeks. Gradually the patient would be able to overcome the withdrawal effects of the medication.

What Causes Rebound Insomnia?
Initially the sleeping medication works wonderfully by inducing sleep. As days go by, the body builds tolerance to the drug and the effect of the drug decreases. At this stage, when the patient discontinues the drug, it results in severe insomnia known as rebound insomnia.

High doses of sleeping medication can contribute to rebound insomnia. Also, taking the medication continuously for more than 2 weeks can increae the risk of rebound insomnia.

How to Manage Rebound Insomnia?
Most people tend to go back to the sleeping medication they once took to overcome rebound insomnia. However, this only makes the problems worse. So, it is recommended to bear the withdrawal effects for few days to overcome rebound insomnia. Gradually the withdrawal effects and sleeplessness subside.

To manage rebound insomnia, one should follow good sleeping habits such as avoiding caffeinated drinks  before sleeping;  sleeping and waking up at the same time; keeping the bedroom conducive for sleeping – by ensuring proper temperature, low nose and noise.

To prevent rebound insomnia, always consult your doctor before taking any sleeping medication. Any increase in dose should always be done in consultation with the doctor. Taking low doses of sleeping medication and tapering them gradually can help in preventing rebound insomnia.

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One Response to “What is Rebound Insomnia?”

  1. 5 Insomnia Cures That Actually Work | Insomnia Solutions Says:
    May 29th, 2009 at 12:28 pm

    [...] What is Rebound Insomnia? [...]

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