Are You Taking Dramamine for Sleep? You Might be Doing More Harm Than Good

It's no secret that many people take Dramamine for sleep. The over-the-counter medication is often seen as a way to get some relief from symptoms of insomnia. While Dimenhydrinate, known commercially as Dramamine may help you fall asleep initially, there are potential dangers associated with its long-term use as a sleep aid. In this article, we will explore how Dramamine can be harmful if taken for an extended period of time and suggest some safer alternatives for getting a good night's rest.

First, What is Dramamine?

Dramamine is a medication used to treat motion sickness and vertigo. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for sending signals to the body that can cause nausea and vomiting. The effects of the drug last for 24 hours, but all of the symptoms of motion sickness will go away in about 4 hours. You'll start to feel sleepy approximately 20 minutes after taking a dose because of diphenhydramine, a component of dramamine.

Adverse Side Effects of Taking Dramamine

The most common side effect of Dramamine is drowsiness. This can be a concern for people who need mental alertness, particularly those driving or operating heavy machinery. Other common side effects of Dramamine include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth.

More serious side effects include:

  • Fast or irregular Heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Urinary retention
  • An overdose of Dramamine in combination with alcohol can be dangerous. The mix can be poisonous to your liver.

Dramamine as a Sleep Aid

Some people use Dramamine or other antihistamines like Benadryl to help fall asleep, but research has shown that it is not effective for this purpose.

A study published in the journal "Sleep" found that participants who took Dramamine did not fall asleep any faster than participants who took a placebo. The study also found that participants who took Dramamine had more difficulty staying asleep and felt more tired the next day than participants who took the placebo.

The medicine may appear to work at first, but your body will acquire a tolerance to it over time, requiring more and more of it to achieve the same effect. Furthermore, Dramamine also contains a component that enhances wakefulness, making it an unsuitable sleep aid.

So What is in Dramamine That Makes You Sleepy?

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Dramamine, is what produces a sedating effect on the body within 20 minutes of consumption. Its effects decrease cognitive functioning and create a feeling of sleepiness, although this is usually short-lived.

Long-term use or excessive doses of Diphenhydramine can lead to an increased risk of unpleasant side effects, such as confusion and seizures. People who take it regularly over long periods of time may also be more likely to develop dementia [1]. It's important to keep in mind that while using this drug can help you fall asleep faster, it is not the best solution for getting good restful sleep. Instead, it is best to consult with your doctor.

Are Other Antihistamines Safe For Sleep?

According to the Mayoclinic, it is not recommended for regular treatment of insomnia. Tolerance to antihistamines' sedative effects can develop fast.

They are less likely to make you sleepy the longer you take them. Anticholinergic qualities in certain Antihistamine also make them unsuitable for elderly persons.

Confusion, hallucinations, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, nausea, impaired sweating, and failure to completely empty the bladder are all side effects of these medicines.

The bottom line is that you should not rely on antihistamines to get a decent night's sleep if you have persistent insomnia.

Why Apothekure Works

Apothekure's proprietary formula is made up of ingredients that your body needs in order to promote healthy sleep cycles.

We're proud that our plant-based products are:

  • Safe + Effective
  • Cultivated with Integrity, From High-Quality growers
  • Non-Addictive
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If you're searching for a natural sleep aid that actually works to create a lasting night of restful sleep and give you the "I woke up like this" glow, then Cloud Nine herbal supplement could be for you. We are wellness, inspired by the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We believe natural sleep can restore inner balance that will make you glow from the inside out.

If you're looking for an overnight fix, our products are not for you. Our herbal medicines works over the course of time to bring balance and harmony to your mind, body and spirit for lasting results.

The key to achieving optimal health and well-being is ensuring that your body receives the nutrients and vital energy it needs. It is health with the whole you in mind.

References:

  1. "Long-term use of diphenhydramine - PMC - NCBI". https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592307/ 2/7/2023

  2. “Are Antihistamines the Solution for Insomnia?” Mayo Clinic, 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sleep-aids/faq-20058393#:~:text=While%20some%20over%2Dthe%2Dcounter,treat%20insomnia%20isn’t%20recommended. Accessed 7 Feb. 2023.


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