Q. My doctor said that the PM pain relievers I take to help me sleep are not habit-forming. I am starting to wonder about that, though: they are NOT as effective as they were, and I have had some confusion and impaired judgment I attribute to these medications.
I still need help for my sleeplessness. Is there a mild medication that will do the job without side effects?
A. We’re not surprised that the benefits of your PM pain relievers are wearing off. Sleep experts have told us that the antihistamine diphenhydramine, the ingredient in most PM painkillers, loses effectiveness with repeated use. It can also leave some people with a morning “hangover” or cause confusion and fuzzy thinking (Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dec. 2010).
You might want to try non-drug approaches to overcoming your insomnia. Exercise during the day can be helpful, as can a hot bath in the evening. Taking melatonin at bedtime sometimes helps, and for a longer-term solution, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to work (Journal of the American Medical Association, June 28, 2006). You’ll find more options at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
