Can corticosteroids cause insomnia?

If you’ve ever taken corticosteroids, then the chances are that somewhere down the line, you’ve experienced some form of sleep disorder. Corticosteroids are a class of drugs used to reduce inflammation in various conditions. Still, they’re infamous for their side effects such as increased appetite, weight gain (beware: food lovers!), mood disturbances and one of the most commonly reported symptoms- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or both.

What are corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids refer to glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids hormones produced by adrenal glands naturally. They work systemically to suppress inflammatory and immune responses (cool sciency stuff).

Some common names Bromides vs Dexamethasone

Common examples include prednisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), hydrocortisone (Solu-Cortef), dexamethasone (Decadron) and betamethasone(Celestone). While all have varying potencies but generally speaking if it ends with –isol-based letters spell trouble!

In what form can I take it?

These powerful anti-inflammatory substances come in many forms—pills that you swallow; liquids via IV injection(don’t get carried away imagining fluid dripping into your arm veins); inhalers that deliver medication directly into the lungs; eyedrops; eardrops; nasal sprays; skin creams and patches.

So how do these beauties help people? By controlling an overactive immune response leading o inflammation which is seen across multiple disorders such as asthma allergies rheumatoid arthritis lupus etcetera Go up feel free research on this 👀 The downside though is they also reduce our body’s natural ability to produce cortisol which helps regulate our circadian rhythms or internal biological clock making us more susceptible cue scary music–to insomnia.

What is Insomnia?

To best explain this to you, let’s use the example of a billionaire that hasn’t gotten their money wired over for a week. They’d be restless getting up through the night hoping it was there while being cranky in need of Redbull throughout the day! Insomnia is defined as having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep even when given ample opportunity (like finding a good speed dating match). It’s also commonly reported when people abruptly stop taking corticosteroids after long term usage.

So just how exactly does corticosteroids affect sleep?

How do we Sleep?

Before we dive into that question, let’s first address what helps us get some zzz’s. According to several circadian biologists, yes they exist(Remember earlier?)(,) cortisol plays an essential role in regulating are daily rhythm so our glucose levels don’t go wonky and aren’t fluctuating constantly during different times of day (re: stress response).

Cortisol naturally follows diurnal rhythms by communicating with other hormones such as melatonin which makes us feel sleepy at desired timings setting off sequences . With disturbed secretion patterns people complain about insomnia both onset and maintaining much like someone looking for GPS signal before leaving his driveway!

The problem here lies mainly due to excessive steroid doses impairing specific structures within the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis responsible for hormone release and regulation leading to imbalanced levels and timing. Hence interrupting previously stabilized thought processes prevent overall relaxation ergo resulting in loss of quality shuteye- obvious symptom being tiredness largely experienced every morning classic!

Additionally distinct types may occur depending on each individual including individuals suffering from respiratory disorders taking inhalable administration routes more susceptible especially administered late could affect breathing rates fluxes even rise inflammation worsening symptoms together.

Wait, but I can counteract this right?

Of course! Have you tried meditation? yoga breathing, No?(•̀ᴗ•́)و follow that up with a warm bath or shower beforehand, dimming lights cutting screen time before bed or invest in blackout curtains. Also try regulating fluid and food intake daily so as not to interrupt digestion processes during the night 😒(remember we mentioned increased appetite?) Consult your doctor first to identify suitable therapies for reducing corticosteroid use but hey guess who’s backDING DONG! Alcohol…not really though🤣.

Alcohol while known for its calming effects has more of a sedating effect rather than improving actual sleep architecture – similar concept to drunk driving- which is surprisingly illegal (and rightfully so!). It can also worsen symptoms such as snoring leading potentially down other health issues so put that bottle 🍻down lightweights!

So what have we learnt?

Corticosteroids are lifesavers in controlling inflammation essential reasons why medications must always be informed best taken at low doses under medical supervision .Insomnia is just one side effect they’re famously known for when interfering with natural hormone rhythms discharge patterns but thankfully preventable too.

If suffering from any related ailments please consult your doctor or pharmacist on ideal options available together necessary precautions.
We hope our article brought some light-hearted perspective 😂 towards drug pharmacology mixed in science fiction manner to warn “only fools rush in where angels fear dread” insert wink emoji here 😉

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!