Thinking About Hydroxyzine for Sleep?

Thinking About Hydroxyzine for Sleep?

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have trouble sleeping. Hydroxyzine is a medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines, which are typically used to treat allergies. However, hydroxyzine has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety and inducing sleep and is often prescribed for these purposes.

How Does Hydroxyzine Work?

Hydroxyzine works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical that is produced by the body during an allergic reaction. It is thought that hydroxyzine may also have a sedative effect, which makes it useful in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia.

When used as a sleep aid, hydroxyzine is usually taken in the form of a tablet or capsule. It is typically taken once a day, just before bedtime. The dose of hydroxyzine that is prescribed will depend on the severity of insomnia and the individual patient's needs.

Are There Benefits of Using Hydroxyzine for Sleep?

There are several potential benefits to using hydroxyzine for sleep! 3 of the most common are:

• It is effective in treating insomnia: Hydroxyzine has been found to be effective in the treatment of insomnia, with many people experiencing an improvement in their sleep patterns after taking the medication.
• It may improve anxiety symptoms: In addition to its effects on sleep, hydroxyzine may also improve anxiety symptoms. It is often prescribed in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
• It is generally well-tolerated: Hydroxyzine is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects reported by most people who take it.

Possible Side Effects of Hydroxyzine

Like all medications, hydroxyzine can cause side effects in some people. The most common side effects of hydroxyzine include

• Drowsiness: One of the most common side effects of hydroxyzine is drowsiness. This can be beneficial for those who are using the medication as a sleep aid, but it may be a problem for those who need to be alert during the day.
• Dry mouth: Hydroxyzine may cause dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and may lead to tooth decay if left untreated.
• Constipation: Hydroxyzine may cause constipation, which can be relieved by increasing fiber intake and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Dizziness: Some people may experience dizziness when taking hydroxyzine, especially if they stand up too quickly.
• Blurred vision: Hydroxyzine may cause blurred vision, which can be a problem for those who need to drive or operate heavy machinery.

It is important to talk to your doctor about any side effects that you experience while taking hydroxyzine.

CBT-I: A Long-Term Sleep Fix

Many people choose to use medication to help them get to sleep. It’s important to note, though, that Hydroxyzine has not been well studied, and its safety and effectiveness aren’t yet understood.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a natural, side-effect-free sleep treatment. It involves relearning your sleep habits and addressing issues that are getting in the way of quality sleep. Studies show that CBT-I works as well as or better than sleep medications and that its effects last after the treatment is done.1

Fill out Dawn Health’s questionnaire to get started with CBT-I right from your computer — no in-person visits are necessary. Quality, natural sleep is possible when you embark on a CBT-I treatment journey.