ANCSLEEP BLOG

Millions of people struggle with sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, or waking too early and being unable to return to sleep. While improving sleep habits and addressing underlying causes are often the first steps, some people may benefit from medication as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Sleep medications can be helpful for certain individuals, but they are not a cure for all sleep problems. The right treatment depends on the cause of poor sleep, a person’s health history, age, other medications, and individual risk factors.

Understanding the different types of sleep medications—and their benefits and potential risks—can help people have informed conversations with their healthcare providers.

Sleep problems become increasingly common with age. Many older adults experience difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, or feeling tired despite spending enough time in bed. Because of these challenges, medications are sometimes considered when lifestyle changes and behavioral treatments are not enough.

One medication frequently used in older adults is trazodone. Although originally developed as an antidepressant, trazodone is often prescribed at lower doses to help with insomnia.

However, trazodone is not specifically approved by the FDA as a sleep medication, and its use in older adults requires careful consideration. Aging changes how the body processes medications, and some side effects may be more concerning for seniors.

Understanding how trazodone works, when it may be appropriate, and what risks to consider can help older adults and their families make informed decisions about sleep treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is widely considered one of the most effective treatments for chronic insomnia. Unlike sleep medications that primarily target symptoms, CBT-I focuses on changing the thoughts, behaviors, and habits that contribute to ongoing sleep problems.

For many people, CBT-I leads to significant improvements in sleep quality and daytime functioning. However, some individuals complete CBT-I and continue to struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested.

If CBT-I has not worked for you, it does not mean that your insomnia cannot improve. It may mean that additional evaluation is needed to understand what is preventing healthy sleep.

Persistent insomnia often has multiple contributing factors, and finding the right combination of treatments may require a more personalized approach.