{"id":631365,"date":"2025-02-11T17:25:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T22:25:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631365"},"modified":"2025-02-11T17:25:42","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T22:25:42","slug":"propranolol-insomnia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/propranolol-insomnia\/","title":{"rendered":"Can propranolol cause insomnia?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Propranolol<\/span><\/a>, sold under the brand name <\/span>Inderal<\/span><\/a>, is a type of beta blocker medication approved to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), irregular heart rhythms, and heart muscle enlargement. It\u2019s also approved to prevent migraines, manage essential tremors, and treat symptoms from pheochromocytoma, a kind of adrenal gland tumor. Off-label uses include the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, and hemangiomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are taking <\/span>propranolol<\/span><\/a>, you may have heard of propranolol insomnia, which describes the phenomenon of experiencing sleep issues while taking it. While propranolol insomnia happens to some individuals, it\u2019s not very common. We\u2019ll cover why it happens, what to do if you experience it, and when to see your healthcare provider to discuss it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does propranolol make you sleepy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fatigue and sleepiness are well-known <\/span>side effects of propranolol<\/span><\/a>. People prescribed propranolol should avoid operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFatigue occurs because propranolol slows the heart rate and decreases sympathetic nervous system activity,\u201d explains <\/span>Lizzie Benge<\/span><\/a>, MD, sleep medicine physician with Brigham and Women\u2019s Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School. This often leaves people feeling sleepy or lethargic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Can propranolol cause insomnia?<\/span><\/h2>\n

But despite the symptoms of fatigue that propranolol can cause, propranolol can paradoxically cause both drowsiness and insomnia, according to Dr. Benge. \u201cPropranolol may interfere with normal sleep patterns by reducing melatonin levels and altering REM sleep, preventing restful sleep,\u201d she says. So someone may feel drowsy while taking propranolol but struggle to get a good night\u2019s sleep as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPropranolol can cause insomnia for some people, but it\u2019s not something everyone experiences. If it does cause sleep issues, the problem might get better over time as your body adjusts to the medication,\u201d says<\/span> Raj Dasgupta, MD<\/span><\/a>, a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research supports this potential occurrence as well. For instance, a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the American Heart Association\u2019s<\/span> Hypertension<\/span><\/i><\/a> found that insomnia, unusual dreams, and sleep disorders occur at times in people taking beta blockers like propranolol. As the researchers point out, beta blockers have also been linked to nightmares, hallucinations, and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for how long insomnia can last while taking propranolol, that also varies between one individual and another. \u201cThe duration of insomnia varies depending on the individual, the dosage, and how the body adapts to the medication,\u201d says Dr. Benge. \u201cIn some cases, insomnia subsides after a few days to weeks as the body adjusts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does propranolol cause insomnia?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not known why propranolol causes insomnia. But<\/span> research has found<\/span><\/a> that propranolol crosses the blood-brain barrier. In doing so, propranolol \u201cmay interfere with neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, which play a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle,\u201d Dr. Benge says. Additionally,<\/span> propranolol can reduce nocturnal melatonin production<\/span><\/a>, making it more difficult for people to fall asleep and stay asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other factors may impact your sleeping experience while taking propranolol. Dr. Benge says the risk of insomnia may increase if propranolol is taken with other medications that affect sleep, such as <\/span>central nervous system (CNS) stimulants<\/span><\/a>. \u201cFactors such as stress, which often leads to propranolol use, or the timing of medication administration may also contribute to sleep disturbances.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

How to prevent propranolol insomnia<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are experiencing propranolol <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>, there are several strategies you can consider. Here are some tips from Dr. Benge:<\/span><\/p>\n