Does Xanax Help With Insomnia? - Garden State Treatment Center

Xanax, or Alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It acts on the brain and the central nervous system to produce a calming effect on the body. This drug works but mimics the brain’s GABA neurotransmitter to provide a sedating effect. This drug calms you down and makes you sleepy, which is why many people think it is okay to take to treat insomnia. Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early. Insomnia can affect your energy level, mood, health, performance at work, and general quality of life.

Sleep Disorders

Dangers of Xanax for Sleep Disorders

In their early life, Xanax was prescribed to treat insomnia beginning in the early 1970s; however, Xanax has rarely prescribed anymore for treating this sleep disorder, and it is no longer recommended because of the drug’s high potential for dependence and addiction. Yes, Xanax will ultimately make you very sleepy; however, its short half-life is not as effective as other medications and has a high risk for dependence and addiction.

Xanax has a very high risk of dependency, abuse, and addiction. You can become physically dependent upon this drug even if you take it as prescribed, and you will most likely experience withdrawal. Withdrawal is a combination of mental and physical symptoms that a person experiences when they stop taking to decrease their intake of a drug like Xanax.

Whether you are physically dependent and/or abusing Xanax, this drug can worsen insomnia due to withdrawal. During withdrawal of the drug, a person may experience a worsened return of insomnia symptoms while the brain tries to rebound without the drugs. In fact, according to NIH:

Rebound insomnia, a worsening of sleep compared with pretreatment levels, has been reported upon discontinuation of short half-life benzodiazepine hypnotics.

Xanax truly does not do anything to treat insomnia. It simply numbs you from the symptoms and will return as soon as the drug is not taken. There are many other, much less addictive medications you can take to treat insomnia and some natural remedies to cure it. A healthy sleep schedule and good nutrition are known to be linked together. Some of the most beneficial ways to treat insomnia include:

  • Mindful Meditation: This technique consists of slow and steady breathing while observing your body, breathing, thoughts, feeling, and other sensations and they happen. It is said to reduce stress, boost immunity, and improve concentration. All things that promote good sleep.
  • Exercise: Exercising will boost a person’s overall health. It heightens mood, gives more daily energy, and promotes better sleep. Making your body more active during the day will make your body and mind calmer at night.
  • Melatonin: Taking a very low dose of melatonin has been shown to help insomnia in the short term, but we recommend speaking to your medical provider for more information.

Treatment for Xanax Dependency

We offer many treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it. Contact Garden State Treatment Center today to learn how we can help you safely recover from Xanax dependence and abuse.

FAQ

  • Does Xanax help you sleep?
  • Can Xanax make you sleepy?
  • If you take Xanax 1-2 times a week at .25 mg for insomnia , shouldn’t that prevent addiction?
  • What medications are safe to take for Insomnia?

Published on: 2020-08-05
Updated on: 2024-10-08