- With Mayo Clinic sleep specialist
Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D.
Staying healthy (9)
- Triclosan: Is it safe?
- Cellphones and cancer: What's the risk?
- Immunization: Are you immune to a disease?
- see all in Staying healthy
Dental care (7)
- When to brush your teeth
- Heart disease prevention: A link to oral health?
- Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
- see all in Dental care
Skin care (7)
- Foods for healthy skin: Top picks
- Latisse: The answer for longer, thicker eyelashes?
- Tattoo removal cream: Does it work?
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Split fingernails: Can they be prevented?
- Nail ridges: Cause for concern?
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm natural nails?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Eye exam: Is a laser retina scan worthwhile?
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
Sleep (5)
- Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?
- How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
- see all in Sleep
Mental health (2)
- Hoarders: When does a hobby become an obsession?
- Passive-aggressive behavior: What are the red flags?
Healthy at work (5)
- Night shift and cancer: Any connection?
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- see all in Healthy at work
About our e-newsletters
- Free e-newsletters
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- We do not share your e-mail address
Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.
Housecall Archives
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
Is it OK to use over-the-counter antihistamines to treat insomnia? I'd like to avoid prescription sleep aids.
Answer
from Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D.
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which may help you fall asleep for a few nights — but routine use of antihistamines for insomnia isn't recommended.
Antihistamines induce drowsiness by working against histamine, a chemical produced by the central nervous system. In fact, most over-the-counter sleep aids contain antihistamines. These products are intended to be used for only two to three nights at a time, however, such as when stress, travel or other disruptions keep you awake. Tolerance to the sedative effects of antihistamines can develop quickly — so the longer you take them, the less likely they are to make you sleepy. Side effects may include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness and memory problems.
If you're struggling with chronic insomnia, don't rely on antihistamines or other over-the-counter sleep aids for a good night's sleep. Lifestyle changes — rather than sleep aids — are usually the best approach. Start with the basics, such as:
- Following a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding caffeine and daytime naps
- Including physical activity in your daily routine
- Managing stress
If you continue to have trouble falling or staying asleep, consult your doctor. In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend behavior therapy to help you learn new sleep habits and ways to make your sleeping environment more conducive to sleep. In some cases, short-term use of prescription sleep aids may be recommended as well.
Next questionHealthy heart for life: Avoiding heart disease
- Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 8, 2010.
- Roth T, et al. Efficacy and safety of sleep-promoting agents. Sleep Medicine Clinics. 2008;3:175.
- Tariq SH, et al. Pharmacotherapy for insomnia. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 2008;24:175.
Find Mayo Clinic on