The Dangers of Drinking Antihistamine Medicine for Sleeping on a Regular Basis

As our age increases, our ability to fall asleep decreases. While some people may suffer from a sleep disorder, such as insomnia, others may suffer from the normalcy of adulthood.  

This has led individuals to undertake questionable measures in order to obtain extra rest at night. One of these methods is the utilization of antihistamines. However, there are multiple dangers of frequently consuming antihistamines as a sleeping aid. 

Histamine vs Antihistamine 

If there is an antihistamine, then there must be regular histamine as well. When the body identifies a threat, it releases a substance to protect itself. That substance, which is called histamine, expands blood vessels and swells the skin.  

The complication of this process is that the body mistakenly treats common things as threats and orders the release of histamine into the bloodstream. If you are allergic to pollen, animal hair, or house dust, you can only blame your own body for being overprotective.    

Hence why people rely on antihistamines to combat the unwanted effects of histamine.  

The Risks of Getting Additional Rest with Antihistamines  

For those who have trouble falling asleep but have not consulted a doctor or medical professional about it, antihistamines have served as a popular non-prescription remedy. However, we must inform you that the drowsy feeling that stems from certain over-the-counter medications comes with several side effects.    

Healthine reports that the dangers of antihistamines may include the following: 

• Daytime drowsiness  
• Short-term memory loss  
• Confusion  
• Agitation 
• Dry mouth 
• Blurred vision 
• Increased heart rate 
• Difficulty urinating  

While knowing these dangers won’t help you fall asleep at night, there are other options.  

Antihistamine Alternatives  

If you sleep next to a box of allergy medicine purely for its sleep-inducing effect, there are more natural methods to assist your ability to fall asleep.  

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is recommended by both the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the European Sleep Research Society as a first step. 

Melatonin is a popular hormone that can be produced in a gelatin composition and helps prepare the body for bedtime. Additionally, maintaining proper sleep habits can significantly help you fall asleep with ease. 

While the problem may not be solved overnight, the first step to solving that problem is putting the antihistamines away. And, of course, always consult a medical expert whenever making decisions regarding medication.