The average person requires somewhere between 6 and 9 hours of sleep per night. If this sleep is disrupted temporarily, Benadryl may help to alleviate the problem. This drug does not come without attenuated side effects, however; notably dry mouth, urinary retention, increase in ocular pressure, constipation. Therefore, it is contraindicated in people with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or glaucoma.
Also to be noted, is that the usual sleep cycle is disrupted with any type of medication. For example, the quality of deep sleep decreases to 10% with medication, versus normal sleep of 10-25%. This has long term implications for functional ability, if deep sleep is decreased over a long period of time (e.g. cognitive impairment, sluggishness, fatigue).
The National Sleep Foundation approves taking a sleep medication in the following instances:
1. The cause of insomnia has been identified.
and sleep difficulties cause problems in accomplishing daily activities.
2. Behavioral approaches have proven ineffective and the person is
unable to try them.
3. A person has initiated behavioral therapy• Insomnia is temporary or short-term.
4. Insomnia is anticipated (e.g. jet lag, anxiety over next day's test or speech, recent traumatic experience, select medical conditions)
Extended periods of OTC sleeping medication, may exaccerbate the condition and is not advised.
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