Health

Medicines and sleep

The ones that can disturb the night.

By the Somnologs team 1 min Updated June 16, 2026

Some medicines can act on sleep or alertness. Talking it over with a professional helps make sense of it.

Possible effects

Several families of medicines can influence sleep or alertness, one way or the other.
That's the case for example with some treatments for mood or anxiety. Effects vary from person to person.

If you think a medicine is disturbing your sleep, talk to your doctor or pharmacist rather than stopping on your own.
Sleep medicines themselves are only taken on prescription, and for a limited time.

Can some medicines disturb sleep?

Yes, several classes of medicine can influence sleep or alertness, one way or the other. Effects vary from one person to another.

What should you do if a medicine disturbs your sleep?

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist rather than stopping on your own. Only they can adjust a treatment safely.

Can you take medicine to sleep?

Sleep medicines should only be taken on prescription, and for a limited time. Never start or stop a treatment without a professional's advice.

Keep a sleep diary for a few weeks before the appointment: it makes the conversation easier and more useful.

Free app on iOS and Android. Log your nights in a few seconds, track your trends and arrive at your appointment with clear pointers to share.