Zoloft and Insomnia

Zoloft and insomnia can be related. Insomnia is one of the more common side effects of Zoloft. If you suffer from insomnia while taking Zoloft, try following good sleep habits, such as avoiding caffeine four to six hours before you go to sleep, not exercising within two hours of bedtime, and not napping later than 3 p.m.

Zoloft Medication

Zoloft and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is one of the most common Zoloft^® side effects. Based on clinical trials of Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride), insomnia occurred in up to 28 percent of people taking the medication. Insomnia was most commonly seen in people taking Zoloft for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) -- up to 28 percent of people with OCD reported having insomnia with Zoloft. It was least common in those taking Zoloft for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) -- 12 percent of women with PMDD reported experiencing insomnia while taking the medication.

What Is Insomnia?

People with insomnia have one or more of the following insomnia symptoms:

Difficulty falling asleep
Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
Waking up too early in the morning
Non-refreshing sleep.

Zoloft and Insomnia: Suggestions

Some people taking Zoloft find that improving their sleep habits can be an effective

insomnia cure. Examples of tips for better sleep include the following:

Keep a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
Don't exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
Don't eat large meals within two hours of bedtime.
Don't nap later than 3 p.m.
Sleep in a dark, quiet room kept at a comfortable temperature.
If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, do a quiet activity somewhere else and return to bed when you're sleepy.
Wind down in the 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as a warm bath, soft music, or reading.

(Click Good Sleep Habits for more suggestions.)

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